2021-02-03_REVISION - M2020008 (4)

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Ritle Gravel Pit #' January 2021 (Amendment to He No M-2020-008) See Section 6.3 for a discussion of the temporary and long-term seeding and revegetation plans. See Section 6.4 for a discussion of how the success of the revegetation plans will be monitored. See Section 6.5 for a discussion of how noxious weeds will be controlled. 6.6.1 Previously Disturbed/Unnecessary Areas Reclamation of unnecessary mine components (e.g., previously used areas which no longer will provide productive aggregate extraction) will be reclaimed in the first year from receipt of permit. This process is anticipated to take a year for grading and topsoil redistribution, and several years for appropriate reclamation species establishment and weed control. These areas are not anticipated to exceed 2 acres. 6.6.2 Active Mining Areas Reclamation of the southeast portion will occur immediately upon cessation of material extraction. Given these areas may be active for several months, reclamation may not begin for quite some time. Reclamation of these areas may take up to a year for regrading, contouring and reseeding, and multiple years after that to establish reclamation species and control noxious weeds. 6.7 Monitoring Reclamation Success Continued monitoring of the reclamation will ensure its success. The operator used local NRCS office and Garfield County input to determine the capacity of the reclaimed land to control erosion. If minor changes or modifications are needed to the seeding and reclamation plan, revision plans will be submitted to the Division. It is hoped that the Division will aid in evaluating the success of the ongoing reclamation process. Information on all disturbed and reclaimed areas, as well as any other important items regarding the reclamation, will be submitted in the annual reports to the Division, Garfield County and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who will also be consulted on the progress of reclamation. 27