2021-02-05_PERMIT FILE - M2020041

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EXHIBIT E-Reclamation Plan (Rule 6.4.5): How does the operator intend to demonstrate at the end of mining that the internal slopes of the exposed groundwater lakes comply with the sloping requirements of the provided reclamation plan?Because the unlined lakes will be full during mining and when complete, a routine visual observation and verification of the internal slopes will not be possible. The mining cell slopes are installed at their final condition and location using clear staking of the slopes. This provides a target for the dragline operator to excavate to, as discussed in the previous adequacy response. Following mining and reclamation, the underwater slope can be confirmed using a simple depth tinder to acoustically map the slope. EXHIBIT G- Water Information (Rule 6.4.7): As previously discussed, the recent restoration of the Town of Breckenridge's drainage easement across the site to a functional state may have adverse impacts on the extent of the existing wetland area. Due to the depth to groundwater measured in the area, the existing wetlands are believed to be primary surface-water fed, with a minimal, if any, groundwater component. However, the restored drainage easement will allow surface runoff to return directly to the Blue River as intended, rather than being dispersed across the northeast area of the proposed permit as it has done for the past several years (at least). DRMS requests that the applicant commit to monitoring groundwater levels in the six existing wetland piezometers along with monitoring wells GW2 and GWS(or all on-site wells for simplicity and consistency) on a monthly basis, rather than quarterly, as soon as practically possible. This additional water level data may help to identify the impacts, if any, to the wetland area from restoring the required drainage easement vs the proposed mining activity. Monitoring of the groundwater level in.the piezometers and monitoring wells will be conducted on a monthly basis as soon as is practically possible. EXHIBIT J- Vegetation Information (Rule 6.4.10): The total extent of the wetland area on site has been noted to vary somewhat over time, as may be expected due to changes in site topography made by the previous owners,precipitation levels, and the amount of surface water seasonally feeding into/through them from the previously discussed drainage easement. DRMS will defer to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the final determination of the extent of jurisdictional wetlands present within the permit area, as well as any subsequent permitting that may be required for any disturbance within jurisdictional wetland areas. What is the most recent status of the site with respect to the required US ACOE jurisdictional determination and any potentially required permitting? 4 Greg Lewitki and Associates,i`LI,i'