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of this blending and irregular landforms and indicate these areas on the Exhibit F Reclamation <br /> Plan Map(Drawing F-1: Approximate Post Mining Topography). <br /> RESPONSE: A maximum slope of 2K•IV maybe used to blend with irregular <br /> landforms. Where needed this practice will be mainly implemented where previous <br /> highwalls were built(see Project Description Page 12-10). At this point, the locations <br /> for 2:1 sloping are conceptual and therefore, it is premature to identify locations on a <br /> map. <br /> 14. On page 12-2 of Volume I,the applicant discusses that that reclaimed slopes may be plated with <br /> rock to protect against storm water runoff erosion and to emulate historic underground <br /> development rock piles in the Mining District. Please clarify the maximum size of a rock-plated <br /> area and indicate these areas on the Exhibit F Reclamation Plan Map(Drawing F-1: <br /> Approximate Post Mining Topography). <br /> RESPONSE. The practice of rock plating with material generally 6-12 inches in <br /> diameter in certain areas is conceptual at this point and therefore indicating where this <br /> would occur on a map is not possible. Newmont envisions working with Teller County <br /> and the Cities of Victor and Cripple Creek to identify areas where recreating historic <br /> development rock piles would add value to the historical viewshed of the area. All areas <br /> of the affected lands will be designated rangeland and wildlife habitat except for the <br /> East Cresson Wildhorse Extension and the Main Cresson Mine Area. These areas will <br /> have restricted access. Newmont has updated Drawing F-I to include the final land-use <br /> for the affected lands per Rule 6.4.6(See Attachment 3). <br /> 15. On page 12-2 of Volume I, the applicant states that compacted areas from traffic or placement <br /> of structures that are identified for reclamation will be ripped prior to topsoil replacement to <br /> facilitate revegetation.Please specify to what depth with the compacted areas be ripped to. <br /> RESPONSE. Newmont consulted several sources for re-vegetating affected areas and <br /> the depth of ripping and whether an area should or should not be ripped depends on the <br /> soil type and proximity of the area to water ways. As such, ripping depth will vary <br /> depending on the area but generally will be between 6 and 18 inches. <br /> 16. On page 12-2 of Volume I,the applicant states that in general,approximately six inches of <br /> growth medium is intended to be replaced at reclamation sites. Similar to adequacy issue#9 <br /> above,the Division requests the Applicant commit to replacing no less than six inches of topsoil <br /> on all reclaimed areas. <br /> RESPONSE: Comment noted. Newmont will commit to replacing no less than 6 inches <br /> of growth medium on reclaimed areas. <br /> 17. Please explain how the seedbed will be prepared for seeding. Please provide information <br /> regarding the number of tillage operations and type of equipment to be used.Types of various <br /> equipment to achieve an ideal seedbed may include a ripper,chisel plow,disk and offset disk <br /> harrows, springtooth harrow, spike harrow,chain drags, cultipacker/roller harrow packers,etc. <br /> RESPONSE. Page 13-2 of the Volume I describes the sequential steps for <br /> reclamation. Step 3 states that the seed-bed is prepared by scaring or ripping the <br /> surface of replaced growth medium followed by revegetation. The type of equipment to <br /> be used is describe on Page 13-4 of Volume I and includes a D8 or D4 dozer mounted <br /> with a cyclone seeder, chain, or harrow depending on the slope to be prepared for <br /> seeding. <br /> Page 8 of 14 <br />