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RESPONSE. There is a small growth media stockpile at the Carlton Tunnel area, <br /> which is shown on Drawing C-2a in the Amendment 11 application. The volume is <br /> estimated to be 1,784 cubic yards. Table 5-4 has been updated to include this storage <br /> area along with its volume (see Attachment 2). <br /> 5. On page 5-7 of Volume I,the Applicant states that growth medium stockpiles in place for more <br /> than one year and with no further development at the storage area planned,will be seeded. <br /> Please clarify how the growth medium resource will be protected from wind and water erosion <br /> for stockpiles actively being developed as well as stockpiles that have been fully developed for <br /> less than one year before being seeded(for example: silt fencing, straw wattles, erosion control <br /> blankets,etc.). <br /> RESPONSE: Page 5-7 of Volume I indicates Newmont will construct, as needed, <br /> erosion control structures, run-on diversion ditches, or equivalent structures designed <br /> for the 10 year, 24-hour precipitation event to stabilize growth media stockpiles. To <br /> minimize erosion, seed is applied to growth media stockpile areas using a hydro-seed <br /> approach which also contains a tackifier to prevent wind erosion of seeded areas. <br /> Depending on when the growth media stockpile is built, it is seeded with hydromulch as <br /> soon as practicable before October/November. After October/November seeding is <br /> delayed until April/May as the piles are typically under snow or frozen during the winter <br /> month and seeds will not germinate under such conditions. <br /> 6. On page 5-7 of Volume 1,the Applicant states that growth medium stockpiles will be seeded <br /> with the same or a similar seed mix approved by the Division for use in reclamation. Please <br /> clarify the similar seed mixture if different than only an emphasis of approved annual species <br /> for stockpiles remaining for less than two years. <br /> RESPONSE: Newmont is committed to only using seed mixtures that have been <br /> approved by DRMS. <br /> 7. On page 5-7 of Volume I,the applicant discusses erosion control structures up-gradient from <br /> growth medium stockpiles for protection. Similar to adequacy issue#5 above,please discuss <br /> erosion control structures/practices that will be installed/implemented to protect the plant <br /> growth medium resource from leaving the stockpile during precipitation events(for example: <br /> silt fencing,tow berms,etc.). <br /> RESPONSE: In addition to the response to DRMS comment#5, berms also are placed <br /> along the toe of the bottom of a slope prior to revegetation. <br /> 8. On page 12-1 of Volume 1,the applicant states the majority of affected lands will be returned to <br /> rangeland and wildlife habitat. Please clarify if lands other than the majority only include the <br /> preserved historic resources and interpretive guidance for the public. <br /> RESPONSE: As stated above and in previous approved permit amendments, a <br /> majority of the land post mining will be returned to rangeland and wildlife habitat. <br /> There are several locations where public hiking trails have been established and historic <br /> structures have been relocated that will remain as recreational areas. In addition, <br /> several highwalls will not be backfilled and will be fenced to prevent wildlife and public <br /> access. These areas will not be available for wildlife habitat/rangeland uses. <br /> 9. On page 12-1 of Volume I,the applicant states that roughly six inches on growth medium will <br /> be replaced.The Division typically suggests Operators to allow flexibility in their reclamation <br /> plans by proposing a range of topsoil replacement(e.g., 6 inches to 12 inches)rather than <br /> specific figures. The Division requests the Applicant commit to replacing no less than six inches <br /> Page 6 of 14 <br />