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EXHIBIT E— RECLAMATION PLAN <br /> (1) Based on recommendations from Ms. Amanda James of the FPAC-NRCS <br /> Montrose office, the Thompson Pit site will be reclaimed using the <br /> enclosed seed mix. Ms. James did not recommend any fertilizers in her <br /> May 18, 2022 letter, but prior to reclamation and re-seeding preparation, <br /> the NRCS will be consulted for current recommendations for the site <br /> based on final grading and site conditions. It is the Operator's intent to <br /> stockpile and re-use existing site soils as a seed bed for the reclamation <br /> work. Based on final site grading, the final layer of topsoil will match the <br /> existing topsoil layer and will be approximately 4 to 6 inches thick or the <br /> amount salvaged, whichever is less. This topsoil layer will be used over <br /> the mining site to encourage revegetation. Special attention will be given <br /> to the control of noxious weeds both before and after mining activities. <br /> (2) (a) As indicated by Exhibit L— Reclamation Costs, the active mining area <br /> is estimated at 81.2 acres to an anticipated depth of 20+ feet. Upon <br /> termination of mining, the Operator, Montrose County, will grade the <br /> sides of the pit to a stable slope of 3H:1V using native soils. The final <br /> layer of topsoil will match the existing thin topsoil layer and will be <br /> approximately 4 to 6 inches thick or the amount salvaged, whichever is <br /> less, to prepare an adequate seed bed for revegetation. Backfill material <br /> will be hauled to the site using 10-wheel, end-dump trucks and spread <br /> using a dozer to finished grade. Backfill will be imported from other <br /> Montrose County projects as needed to provide an adequate quantity. <br /> Native soils will be compacted by haul trucks and loading equipment to <br /> match existing soil density. An estimated total of 65,000 cubic yards of <br /> topsoil will be required to revegetate the areas remaining in each of the <br /> three phases after mining. Topsoil will be salvaged from the site during <br /> mining and supplemented, as needed, by suitable topsoil imported from <br /> other Montrose County projects. Using a dozer, the Operator will final <br /> grade the site and track-walk the slopes to create seed beds for the <br /> hydro-seeding operations. The methods above were selected as the most <br /> cost-effective means of assuring reasonable revegetation success. <br /> (b) The post mining vegetation will be sage rangeland which is consistent <br /> with surrounding areas. Proposed post-mining use will remain the same <br /> as pre-mining use: rangeland for seasonal grazing by sheep and cattle. <br /> No industrial, residential or commercial uses are proposed for the site <br /> after mining operations have ceased. <br /> (c) The recommended NRCS seed mix proposed for the reclamation of <br /> the Thompson Pit includes a variety of native grasses and forbs which are <br /> designed to be self-regenerating in the rangeland eco-system present at <br /> the site. The proposed 3H:1V slopes are gentle enough to allow livestock <br /> grazing which, aside from recreation, is the sole land-use currently at the <br /> site. As required by Rule 3.1.10(4), the landowner will be required to <br /> work in cooperation with the MLRB and the Shavano Soil Conservation <br /> Thompson Pit <br /> Exhibit E <br />