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38. The Division presented testimony that it viewed the mining plan and <br />Application as sufficient to protected wildlife. <br />Reclamation <br />39. Applicant presented testimony regarding its reclamation plan. <br />40. Applicant will begin reclamation immediately by planting evergreen <br />trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the site. Reclamation will take place <br />concurrently with the mining operation to minimize fragmentation of the site. <br />41. The post -mining use for the site is pasture land. <br />42. Applicant has consulted with an expert regarding its proposed seed <br />mix for reclamation. The mix is meant for dry areas and contains some native <br />grasses and is designed to produce forage for animals. Applicant also indicated its <br />willingness to reevaluate the seed mix for potential improvements. <br />43. Grass will be seeded on the sides of the pit and reseeded as necessary <br />to ensure adequate growth. <br />44. Applicant has a plan to manage noxious weeds, including mowing <br />initially to keep weeds down and to allow grasses to grow. Applicant also testified <br />that the site will be routinely observed, including by individuals hired to conduct <br />weed control. <br />45. The slopes of the reclaimed pits will be graded to no steeper than a <br />3H:1V ratio. This ratio is widely used in reclamation of mining operations. The pit <br />slopes represent a small portion of the affected area. <br />46. The Application also addresses storm water in the pits with a <br />requirement that all standing water in the pits must infiltrate within 72 hours. <br />47. Objectors raised concerns with Applicant's topsoil management plan. <br />Applicant will salvage and replace three feet of growth medium, which will be <br />replaced on top of the affected lands where it is removed to facilitate the mining <br />operation. <br />48. The Division testified that the Applicant's proposed management of <br />topsoil was sufficient and that the reclamation plan met the requirements of the <br />Rules and the Act. <br />Loveland Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. <br />Knox Pit/M-2017-036 6 <br />