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18. On page 12-3 of Volume I, the applicant discusses that reclaimed areas will be broadcast, <br /> drilled, or hydroseeded, all at 25 PLS and may be further incorporated into the growth medium <br /> by using a rangeland harrow, slope chain, or equivalent equipment, as necessary and feasible. <br /> The seeding rate is appropriate for drilling and hydroseeding, as well as broadcasting as long as <br /> the seed is further incorporated similar to as proposed above. Please commit to doubling the <br /> seeding rate to 50 PLS if the seed mixture is broadcasted and isn't further incorporated. <br /> RESPONSE: The seeding rate specified in the reclamation plan is based on PLS per <br /> square foot, which in turn is based on the number of PLS per pound for the various <br /> species used. Newmont typically uses a seed mix and seeding rate to obtain 60 to 100 <br /> seeds per square foot. It is typical to increase broadcast seeding by 50%, however, over <br /> seeding can be detrimental to establishing sufficient vegetative cover. <br /> 19. On page 12-3 of Volume I, the applicant states that broadcast or drill seeded areas generally will <br /> not be required to be mulched. Please explain why these areas will not generally need to be <br /> mulched. Please specify the type and rate of areas where broadcast or drill seeding occurs and <br /> are needed to be mulched. <br /> RESPONSE: Newmont employs both drill seeding and broadcast seeding followed by a <br /> harrowing to incorporate the seed into the upper portion of the growth media. Better <br /> reclamation results are obtained when no mulching is performed. <br /> 20. On page 12-7 of Volume I, the applicant states that 400 mature aspen stems will be transplanted <br /> as a part of the North Cresson Mine Area Viewshed Conservation Plan. Please clarify what a <br /> mature stem is. <br /> RESPONSE: A mature stem is defined in the Memorandum of'Understanding between <br /> the City,of Cripple Creek and CC&V dated May, 16, 2012, which states, "mature aspen <br /> trees mean aspen trees of a minimum of 7 feet in height". <br /> 21. Please explain the source and approximate amount of water that will be required for irrigation <br /> of the transplanted aspen trees for the first two growing seasons, as discussed on page 12-7 of <br /> Volume I. <br /> RESPONSE: Water will be purchased through existing water purchase agreements <br /> with the City of Victor, the City,of Cripple Creek and the City of Colorado Springs. We <br /> estimate using 1,056,000 gallons of water for the first two growing seasons. <br /> 22. On page 12-8 of Volume I, the Applicant states the amount of backfilling required on the Schist <br /> Island and Globe Hill portions of the North Cresson Mine area, the East Cresson Mine area, and <br /> portion of the Main Cresson Mine area is dependent on potentially changing economic <br /> conditions. Please clarify how these slopes will be graded to 2.51-1:1 V if backfilling is not <br /> completed. <br /> RESPONSE: Newmont intends to backfill the North Cresson mine area. The statement <br /> about backfilling being based on economic conditions is more of a timing issue than a <br /> volume issue. On Page 12-10 of the Project Description (Volume I), the text states that <br /> backfilling to ground surface or higher is anticipated to occur in the North Cresson and <br /> East Cresson mine areas. Bac f lling will be done of the North Cresson mine area such <br /> that slopes of 2.5H:1 V will be achieved, however, the timing and sequencing of the North <br /> Cresson Mine area may depend on economic conditions. Newmont does not anticipate a <br /> scenario where backfilling of the North Cresson and East Cresson mine areas is not part <br /> of the final reclamation plan. <br /> Page 9 of 14 <br />