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Technical Revision <br /> September 6, 2018 <br /> Vollmer Pit <br /> M-1983-03.5 <br /> Summary: This revision is intended to allow two of what is considered three berms along the <br /> perimeter of the pit to remain at the request of the new landowner, Turkey Canon Quarry Inc. In <br /> the future this material will probably be utilized in the development of the site for residential <br /> uses. <br /> Berm History: Initially the berms were intended to provide two uses. First, the southern berm <br /> appears to be a soil stockpile as well as a visual berm. The berm acted as a visual screen for <br /> views from the south. At that time there were very few homes south of the pit and those were <br /> quite some distance away. So, presumably, less strict requirements were applied by the county <br /> and no tree planting was required there. There seems to be very little in the permit file that <br /> addresses the southern berm. <br /> The berm along the north edge had only one purpose -to screen the operation from view <br /> from residences to the north. The latter function was a part of El Paso County's requirements. <br /> At first the berms were to be about 10 feet high,but shortly after approval of the <br /> Reclamation Permit the county changed its mind and required 15 feet on the berm along the <br /> north edge of the operation. It is assumed that was also applied to the southern berm although <br /> that is not known. Different interpretations seem to be equally applicable. The Division was <br /> notified of that change and it appears the Division approved that additional height. At some <br /> point the county required the northern berm to be planted with trees. It appears that change may <br /> not have been provided to the Division, but was nevertheless done to comply with county <br /> requirements. <br /> These berms were constructed in the mid-1980's and have been in place since then with <br /> little or no modification. <br /> The portion of the southern berm that is immediately south of the actual pit is not <br /> included in this consideration. That will fully remain as affected land and reclamation will be <br /> required along with the adjacent sand pit. <br /> Reclamation: The approved reclamation plan specifically addressed the northern berm. As <br /> that berm was to be planted with trees it is apparent that it was to be permanent. In fact,the plan <br /> states that reclamation of the disturbances in the pit would be done with soil removed as the <br /> mine proceeded. Thus, with regard to the north berm specifically, it appears that the intent was <br /> for it to stay and the material there not to be used in reclamation of the pit. There is no <br /> discussion in the reclamation plan with regard to the southern berm. Presumably that could <br /> remain or it could be a drainage barrier or a source for reclamation material. It is not actually <br /> known what the intent was except for its requirement by the county as a visual berm. As stated <br /> above, this revision only applies to that portion of the southern berm that is not adjacent to the <br /> actual pit. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />