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3. Reclamation Plan - 43 OF 3809.401(b) (3) <br />Reclamation of disturbed areas resulting from activities outlined in this Plan will be completed in <br />accordance with Federal [36 CFR§228.8 (q) and 43 CFR 3809] and State of Colorado Revised Statues <br />(Title 34, Article 32) and 2 CCR 407-1 regulations and requirements. Section 4 and 4.1 contain a <br />description of the proposed reclamation activities and the projected cost. <br />3.1 Drill Hole Abandonment <br />[43 CRF3809.401 (b) (3) (1)1; Drill holes will be plugged in accordance with Colorado State and <br />administering agency standards. Material specifications will be consistent with the definitions in <br />CRS 34-32-113 for grouting material. Drill holes will be abandoned as completed such that only <br />one drill hole is open at any time. <br />Upon completion of drilling operations, a bentonite and fresh water slurry or neat cement grout <br />that is specifically formulated for well or drill hole abandonment will be placed through the drill <br />pipe and circulated from the bottom of the drill hole in a manner that assures against the <br />vertical movement of groundwater found in the drill hole. This will include the annular space <br />surrounding casing left down the hole. <br />If circulation from the bottom is not possible, abandonment slurry or grout will be mixed at the <br />surface, circulated through the drill pipe from the bottom of the drill hole under pressure and <br />placed in stages as the drill pipe is retrieved from the drill hole. A ten -foot cement surface plug <br />will be placed within the top twenty feet of each drill hole. <br />Portland cement mixed with clean water and aggregates, or bagged cement mixed with clean <br />water, will be used for the surface plug. Remaining surface casing will be removed below the <br />ground surface in a manner that will not interfere with reclamation requirements. If the surface <br />casing cannot be removed, the casing will be cut at least two feet below ground surface. The <br />annulus will be sealed in a manner that assures against the movement of surface water down <br />the drill hole. <br />The top of the surface plug will be two feet below the ground surface to eliminate physical <br />hazards to humans and animals as well as to prevent ponding of water directly over the drill <br />hole, allow for placement of growth media, and allow for passage of vehicles and equipment. <br />3.2 Recontouring, Revegetation and Topsoil Handling <br />[43 OF 3809.401 (b) (3) (11), (vi), (vi1J]; Grading and contouring of constructed drill sites will be <br />completed to approximate the surrounding topography. Sumps will be backfilled and the <br />surface area re-contoured. Topsoil or suitable growth media will comprise the final surface of <br />the sites and will generally remain in a textured or rough condition (e.g. small humps) to <br />facilitate moisture retention and seed germination. Reclaimed areas will be hand broadcast <br />seeded with the approved seed mix provided in Table 2 (seed mix approved by BLM Gunnison <br />field office, Dave Lazorchak Minerals Specialist); changes and/or adjustments to the seed mix <br />and/or application rate may be made upon approval. The individual species and application <br />rates have been selected to promote optimum seed germination and plant growth. Seeding will <br />be completed at the appropriate time of year, typically late fall or early spring. Final re - <br />vegetation will be consistent with the post -exploration land uses of grazing, wildlife habitat, and <br />