2019-04-13_REVISION - M1984168 (9)

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WILLIAMS FORK MINING COMPANY SAND AND GRAVEL SITE Exhibit E .......... Reclamation Plan 1.0 Introduction The pre-mining land use of the sand and gravel pit site was classified as agricultural—leased as grazing. The area was also used by wildlife. Williams Fork Mining Company(WFMC) proposes to return the disturbed area, after mining and reclamation, to wildlife habitat and recreation. Williams Fork Mining Company was approached by, at the time separate agencies, Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife in late 1997 to work with them and the Yampa Legacy program in reclaiming the gravel pit area with an eye toward including it as part of a proposed state park and wildlife recreation area. We received input from these groups during the winter of 1997-1998 relative to how the mine area could be reclaimed to best suit their future needs. Many of their inputs were incorporated into the proposed reclamation plan, including islands and peninsulas for waterfowl and shorebird habitat, shoreline irregularities, variable pond depths and varying shoreline slopes(not to exceed 3:1)were included for the benefit of wildlife. The permanent seed mixture was revised to incorporate wetlands plant species that benefit wildlife, as requested by the Colorado Division of Wildlife(now CPW). There were also plans to accommodate potential recreation facilities. While the state park recreation plan was never realized, the wildlife accommodations in our reclamation plan continue to benefit wildlife species. The site has become a magnet for waterfowl, other water birds and shorebirds. The reclaimed ponds have become home to nesting waterfowl and shorebird species and are an important stopover for migrating birds in spring and fall. Numerous sightings of rare bird species have been recorded at the site, including several first Moffat County records. The gravel pit is located within areas subject to local zoning and subdivision regulations. Williams Fork Mining Company applied for and received a conditional use permit from the Moffat County Planning and Zoning Department. The pit will be located on state lands as indicated in Exhibit B. The permit boundary for the sand and gravel operation will be marked for identification with signs similar to Figure E-1. 1.1 Reclamation Goal In general, the reclaimed area will be regraded to conform to the surrounding area and to enhance wildlife habitat as much as practical. Appropriate species of perennial plants, Table E-1, will be established to provide food and cover for wildlife. Also, three permanent ponds (Exhibit F), totaling approximately 36 acres, will be left after mining. These structures will be constructed according to CPW specifications (Exhibit H). The reclamation of the areas disturbed by the sand and gravel operation as described above and in detail below will enhance the proposed land uses, recreation and wildlife habitat. These uses are consistent with uses of the surrounding areas. 1.2 Pit Development Activities Thirty three exploration holes were drilled in 2018 to evaluate future sand and gravel reserves to the north and east of Mining Area 6. As a result of this drilling operation, two additional areas have been identified for development(See Exhibit C map). Small exploration pits will continue to be used to define the actual mining limits. Maximum depth of such pit development activities will not exceed 30 feet. Further, the proposed pit development activities will not exceed the depth of existing alluvium. Thus, the potential for contamination of aquifers or other ground water systems does not exist. All exploration pits will be backfilled as soon as possible. If mining will occur within three growing seasons at the exploratory site, the associated disturbed area will not be further reclaimed. Revision: -rk- 0 ,approved: