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identified on the site. Based on these factors, the Division concluded that the <br /> Application complied with its obligations to minimize impacts to wildlife. <br /> 19. Objector Rawluk presented testimony on wildlife issues, stating that <br /> field work should have been done and that mule deer could lose 30 acres of severe <br /> winter range. Mr. Rawluk also stated that there were golden eagles in the area <br /> but did not specify where or how the proposed mining operation would impact <br /> those animals. <br /> 20. The Division also presented testimony regarding the Application's <br /> mining and reclamation plans. The mining plan was adequate and complied with the <br /> Act and Rules. Likewise, the Applicant's reclamation plan was adequate to support <br /> the designated post-reclamation land use of rangeland. The reclamation plan calls <br /> for concurrent reclamation using a mix of native seeds, grasses, and shrubs, which is <br /> appropriate for the post-reclamation land use and was developed by Applicant in <br /> conjunction with Jefferson County. The landowner, the State Land Board, supports <br /> the Application and its reclamation plan. The Division saw no issue with Applicant's <br /> blasting plan. Based on over 40 years of past mining activity at the site, the Division <br /> did not see potential for faults to be disturbed by the small blasts Applicant would <br /> use under its mining plan. <br /> 21. Applicant presented testimony regarding the nature of the proposed <br /> mining operation and plan. Applicant will mine the floor area of the site against a <br /> headwall, with about 800 linear feet being cut in a typical campaign. Typically, less <br /> than two acres of land are mined during each campaign. A mining campaign occurs <br /> once every three years, with active excavation happening for four to eight weeks, <br /> with excavated material stockpiled on the site. During periods when the Applicant is <br /> not excavating, stockpiled material is hauled offsite for processing and use in <br /> brickmaking on two to three days per week, with one to four truckloads of material <br /> moved on haul days. Reclamation will be done contemporaneously, with a new set of <br /> reclamation started after each 300 linear feet of excavation. The north slope of the <br /> site will be blended into the slope of the Flintlock mine to the north of the site, with a <br /> 3:1 slope continuing through the length of the mine area. 4 to 6 inches of topsoil is <br /> added with the specified seed mix planted. <br /> 22. Applicant explained that though the mining plan allows for blasting, it <br /> is used infrequently and is not favored because it mixes rock into the clay deposits. i <br /> Through its blasting expert, Neil Stanton, Applicant presented testimony that its I <br /> blasting program does not pose a risk to nearby structures. Given the blasting <br /> criteria, damage to structures could be expected within 162 feet of the site. The <br /> nearest structure is 800 feet from the site, which is an order of magnitude beyond the <br /> area of concern. The blasting plan also uses industry public safety protocols, with <br /> advanced notice to the adjacent community, notification to the police department, <br /> and the placement of spotters on site to ensure safety. After the shot, the blasting <br /> Denver Brick Company <br /> Golden Mine/M-1976-007UG Ei <br />