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WATER <br /> 1) Water-ASCI will minimize disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance and water quality of <br /> systems(surface and groundwater) both during and after mining and reclamation phases. <br /> a) ASCI will follow applicable Colorado water laws and regulations and will not injure any existing <br /> water rights. <br /> b) ASCI will follow and keep water quality standards of the Water Quality Control Commission <br /> (WQCC). <br /> c) No unauthorized release of pollutants to groundwater will occur from materials mined, handled, <br /> or used as inert backfill. <br /> d) All surface areas and temporary stockpiles piles will be stabilized to effectively control erosion <br /> using proper erosion best management practices. <br /> e) All mined material not suitable for sale or off-site use such as wash plant and crusher fines will <br /> be disposed of in the inert backfill to prevent any release to the surface drainage system. <br /> TOPSOILING <br /> 1) During mining,the topsoil will be removed,segregated, and stabilized with a vegetative cover away <br /> from other material stockpiles. <br /> a) The vegetative cover shall be used to protect the topsoil from erosion and to assure that it is in <br /> usable condition for reclamation. <br /> b) Every effort will be made to conserve workable topsoil. <br /> 2) Topsoil stockpiles shall be stored in configurations to minimize erosion and found in areas where <br /> disturbance is minimized by ongoing mining operations. Such stockpile areas are in the affected <br /> mining area. <br /> 3) Once stockpiled,the topsoil shall be rehandled as little as possible until replacement on the <br /> reclaimed mine surface. <br /> 4) The topsoil will be replaced in a uniform and smooth lift to material. <br /> 5) Soil testing maybe conducted on the topsoil because of the extensive earth moving and storage of <br /> the topsoil.The grass seed needs nutrients and moisture to germinate and grow. <br /> a) Native grasses in the seedling stage are not typically responsive to soil nitrogen. Most weed <br /> species can be very vigorous when soil nitrogen supplies are generous.Soil tests may show <br /> deficiencies of soil nutrients: phosphorus, potassium,sulfur, zinc.These deficiencies may be <br /> corrected by a fertilizer application prior to cover crop seeding or native grass seeding. <br /> b) Fertilizer is not recommended now, but in the future as reclamation progresses, it may be <br /> determined that fertilizer is needed to help in the establishment of a healthy stand of perennial <br /> grass.ASCI may add fertilizers and/or soils amendments, per the recommendation of an <br /> agronomist and the soil tests at the time. <br /> VEGETATION RECLAMATION—ASCI's reclamation plan for the surface of Mine Phase 2 through 5 and <br /> the mine buffers is dryland pasture.The dryland pasture will have vegetation that is diverse and capable <br /> of self-regeneration.The fill areas,as well as other disturbed areas,will be revegetated with non- <br /> irrigated native grass and forb seed mixes. Natives plant species are tolerant to extremes of heat or cold, <br /> drought and a variety of other harsh environmental conditions. <br /> PLANTING METHODS AND DEPTHS <br /> 1) ASCI will use two seeding methods which are drill seeding and broadcast seeding. Drill seeding <br /> places the seed in a firm seed bed,just under the surface.This supplies the best seed/soil contact <br />