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Mr. Sprague <br />Page 2 <br />June 15, 2015 <br />4. The Applicant has stated that the available topsoil will be incorporated into the bench rather <br />than stockpiled. This method of salvaging topsoil is not acceptable. Pursuant to Construction <br />Materials Rule 3.1.9, topsoil shall be removed and segregated from other spoil. If such <br />topsoil is not replaced on a backfill area within a time short enough to avoid deterioration of <br />the topsoil, vegetative cover or other means shall be employed so that the topsoil is protected <br />from erosion. Salvaging of topsoil at the proposed quarry is even more critical considering <br />the Applicant has stated that the previous operation at this location did not salvage topsoil. <br />Furthermore, the applicant has stated that there are very small amounts of topsoil available <br />for salvage. The Construction Materials Rules define topsoil as materials at the surface of the <br />earth which has been so modified and acted upon by physical, chemical and biological agents <br />that it will support rooted plants necessary to achieve reclamation. The Applicant has stated <br />in Exhibit I — Soils Information that the surface layer is dark grayish brown stony sandy loam <br />about 6 inches thick. The surface layer shall be salvaged in its entirety and estimates of <br />topsoil salvage for future phases must reflect this depth of available growth medium. Please <br />specify where topsoil will be stockpiled in relation to active quarry areas and specify how the <br />stockpiles will be salvaged. <br />5. Please specify how the Operator will delineate the active mining phases in the field, such that <br />areas which are outside of the active phases are not affected by the mining operation. <br />6. The Applicant has stated the seed mix to be used during final reclamation of the site may <br />vary depending on availability of the seed at the time of reclamation. Please note the Division <br />is approving the High Plains/Foothills grass mix to be used during final reclamation and the <br />bond estimate will reflect the cost of using this specific seed mix. If the Operator cannot <br />obtain the High Plains/Foothills grass mix at the time of reclamation, then a Technical <br />Revision can be submitted to revise the seed mix. <br />As previously mentioned, if you are unable to provide satisfactory responses to any inadequacies <br />prior to the decision date (August 31, 2015), it will be your responsibility to request an <br />extension of time to allow for continued review of this application. If there are still <br />unresolved issues when the decision date arrives and no extension has been requested, the <br />application will be denied. <br />If you have any questions, please contact me at (303)866-3567 x8116. <br />SNery, <br />Michael A. Cu ingham <br />Environmental rotection Specialist <br />CC: Wally Erickson, DRMS <br />