2021-04-01_REVISION - M1977144 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. The reclamation in the MQND-3 (North Dump) area will be re-evaluated, and if deemed ready for release, we will submit a request for its release. 6. The reclamation in Area A will be re-evaluated, and if deemed ready for release,we will submit a request for its release. 7. Regarding the compaction of backfilled areas, most of the backfill was spread by bulldozer, and most of it has been in place for years (since we've been adding to it gradually). The majority of backfilled areas, therefore, will not need to be compacted. There will be a few areas of new or ongoing placement of backfill, however, which may require some compaction. We will do this by additional passes with the dozer, especially as we shape the surface or spread growth medium. We would like to note that in many cases at this site, we have seen that much of the fine material we use is fairly well-drained and does not contain much clay, and does not actually compact significantly except over time. The spreading of woody debris during reclamation will be done partly to reincorporate organic material into reclaimed areas,to reduce erosion, and to provide some cover for small wildlife. However,the available amount of it will be limited, given the limited woody cover present on the site now. We expect that as this woody material is stripped it will be spread on surfaces that are ready for reclamation and revegetation. This concurrent reclamation will reduce the amount left until the end of all mining there. But to address your question, we estimate that one acre of ground in the Ruby Pit will receive the last of the debris, moved from one of the old quarries near the Ruby Pit and spread with a loader. 8. The seed mix provided in the initial TR-01 submittal is the old approved mix. We will revise the seed mix by removing the "Fairway" Crested wheatgrass from the mix, and in its place we will add "San Luis" Slender wheatgrass to the mix, at the drilled rate of 1.5 pounds PLS/acre. 9. The growth medium to be used for reclamation is difficult to quantify, given the scarce soil at the site (much of it having been lost during pre-law mining activity). Fortunately, much of the fine and reject material available at the site is suitable as a growth medium, and it is generally to be found in most areas of the permit. As such, most areas will not require a separate layer to be placed on the surface for it to be deemed ready to be seeded. As described for woody debris above, concurrent reclamation in the various areas of the site will occur as they are ready for final reclamation, leaving a reduced amount needed at the conclusion of all mining. To address your question, we estimate that a layer between 3 and 6 inches thick will be placed. It will be hauled by truck or truck and/or loader, and spread by dozer. We cannot determine at this time which area will need this layer placed on it. 10. Blasting costs vary, due to the diverse nature of the rock at the site, and the different products we produce here. To address your question,the average blasting cost to use for reclaiming this site 0vs 11. The equipment you used in your cost estimate is suitable. We would also like to request an extension of two weeks to the decision date.