2020-02-07_PERMIT FILE - M2020014

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Due to the extent of previous mining disturbance at the sites,there is very little recoverable topsoil that may be saved and used during reclamation. The operator will, however, commit to salvaging topsoil when it is encountered on the sites, and protect it for respreading during final reclamation. Since there will be insufficient topsoil to cover all areas of disturbance, CRG Mining will place it on selective areas, such as the crests of dump pads, or backfilled and graded areas. If at any time during the mining stage, any of the specific sites is deemed to not be needed or further disturbed, and is determined to be suitable for reclamation,final reclamation activities will begin on that site. Final reclamation may therefore be carried out at different times on the four sites. The reclamation plan includes revegetation of the sites. After site cleanup, any needed grading and ripping will be carried out,followed by broadcast seeding all disturbed surfaces. This will include backfilled areas and cutslopes, ripped pad surfaces,topsoiled earthen berms and crests, and dump slopes. Wherever possible they will be dragged to incorporate the seed to enhance germination. The aim is to establish diverse, long-lasting and self-sufficient vegetative cover. The predominant tree species, lodgepole pine, self-revegetates optimally on bare mineral soil. Most pre-disturbed sites in this area have become reforested with lodgepole pine completely on their own. Since much of the disturbed areas will lack topsoil, and grass seeding will be carried out later in the operation, it is expected that much of the permitted areas will also become forested during the life of the operation. The following seed mix, recommended by USDA,will be employed. Due to a variety of factors, such as the high elevation and poor growth medium at the sites, native species are not emphasized in this mix. These species do possess good germination rates, low maintenance needs, and good palatability. The seeding rates below are for broadcast seeding; drilled seeding would be at half of these rates. Variety Species Lbs PLS/acre Nordan or Ruff Crested Wheatgrass 5.0 Manchar Smooth Brome 6.5 Sodar Streambank Wheatgrass 4.4 Common Sandberg Bluegrass 0.9 Reubens Canada Bluegrass 0_9 Total 17.7 Seeding will be done in the fall of the year(October or November) after first freeze but before snows. If this is not possible, seeding will be done in the spring(May or June). The operator will monitor all seeded areas to ensure they become vegetated. All areas needing to be reseeded will be addressed promptly. It is anticipated that noxious weeds will likely be present during the mining stage and reclamation stage. Throughout the life of this permit the operator will monitor all disturbed areas for presence of noxious weeds, and promptly treat them as needed.