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Introduction and Overview <br />Introduction and Overview of Amendment <br />Purpose of Amendment: To remove approximately 37 acres from the permit and to modify the mining <br />and reclamation plans. The modifications, in part, will allow for the incorporation of a compacted berm to <br />seal the pit area and create a reservoir. <br />General Mining Plan Changes: Alteration of mining sequence to allow for construction of a compacted <br />berm as the operation proceeds. Alteration of soil and overburden handling to allow for incorporation of <br />favorable portions of that material into the compacted berm. Modification of the mining plan on lands <br />that remain permitted but have an altered configuration as a result of permit land removal. <br />General Reclamation Plan Changes: Propose three options for reclamation. Because the compacted berm <br />will require approval of the State Engineer, no commitment can be made for that structure until approval <br />is obtained. The alternate plans allow for 1) creation of a reservoir within the compacted berm; 2) a grass <br />covered basin within the compaeted berm in the event no reservoir can be created, and 3) the creation of a <br />reclamation configuration similar to what was approved in 1996 as Amendment #3. The laner would only <br />be implemented in the event the State Engineer does not approve the compacted berm. <br />New seed mixtures are proposed as well as new grading plans. <br />Under certain circumstances, a portion of the permitted land called "Finger Lake" will be partially <br />backfilled to a depth of less than 2 meters. This will then be converted to a wetland type of habitat that <br />will provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities not currently present on this land and not <br />currently allowed for with the existing plan. If backfilling to that depth does not occur then "Finger Lake" <br />wi11 be a deep lake with a replacement wetland constructed in the corner of the lake. The lake will be <br />configured in such a way that it will appear to have been created by the Arkansas River. <br />Other changes: New soils and vegetation exhibits are presented that provide more detail, particularly on <br />soils. Water resources are addressed again and a well located within the area to be mined is addressed. <br />Map Changes: All new, upgraded maps are provided. Rather than using orthographic aerial photos as was <br />done in the past, these maps utilize a topographic map with a one foot contour interval. <br />Land Trade Completion: As discussed in the 1996 Amendment #3, the land trade between Valeo, Inc. and <br />the State of Colorado has been completed. Most of the land removed from the permit through this <br />Amendment #4 was the subject of chis land trade. Now that the trade is completed and upon removal <br />from this permit of the trade land as well as other lands that cannot be easily mined, the excellent and <br />very popular facilities of the nearby Pueblo Nature Center will be enhanced. Reclamation of adjacent <br />bonomland (referred to in this application as "Finger Lake") will add to the value of that facility through <br />the addition of 4 to 5 acres of high quality wetland or a 4 to 5 acre deep lake adjacent to the hiking and <br />bike path. The removal of the trade land and other parcels also preserves and protects bottomland forests <br />and wetlands immediately adjacent to or near the Pueblo Nature Center. Those lands would have <br />otherwise been mined. <br />Pueblo West Pit Amendment 4 August 1997 Introduction/Overview Page 1