2023-05-11_REVISION - M2004051 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wattenberg Lakes Amendment, Exhibit E—Reclamation Plan May 2023 applicable Federal and State water quality laws and regulations and appropriate storm water management and erosion control to protect the adjacent South Platte River and riparian vegetation. 8.0 WILDLIFE The area covered by this reclamation plan was formerly used for mining or general agriculture. There is significant habitat for many wildlife species along the river corridor which is outside our permit boundary. Please see Exhibit H (Wildlife Information)for more information. While the reclamation plan does not propose to create wildlife habitat, all activities will be planned considering the safety and protection of wildlife on the property. Some species may be temporarily displaced by the mining and reclamation activities, but these species are expected to re-establish with no difficulty after the reclamation has been completed.The creation of the lakes and replacement wetlands may create additional opportunities for aquatic birds, mammals, and fish. 9.0 GROWTH MEDIUM Surface soils in the proposed mine and reclamation areas are predominantly Altvan loam, Aquolls and Aquents, and Dacono clay. All suitable soil material will be salvaged for use as growth medium. Up to 6 inches of surface soil on the property, where disturbance is planned, is expected to be usable as growth medium for reclamation. This layer includes the root zone of grasses and crops, which will be stripped and stockpiled separately The growth medium will be segregated and stored separately from the overburden material as required by Rule 3.1.9(1). Sufficient growth medium will be stockpiled to reclaim all disturbed areas. The mine plan map depicts the location and configuration of the berms. The berms will be protected from wind and water erosion by vegetative cover if in place for more than 180 days and will be vegetated depending on the seeding "window' parameters for dryland grass,which are typically between September and April. Based on the mining and reclamation phasing and schedule, the growth medium is not expected to remain stockpiled for more than 1 to 2 years. If the stockpile remains for more than one growing season, it will be seeded with a fast-growing vegetative cover to prevent erosion. Where required for reclamation, growth medium will be placed to a depth of approximately 6 inches. 10.0 REVEGETATION As mining and backfilling operations are completed, areas for reclamation will be graded and shaped for revegetation. Runoff or excess water from adjacent areas will not be allowed to flow over slopes being graded and seeded. Following placement of growth media, seeding and planting will be performed according to NRCS recommended practices. The following revegetation procedures are anticipated but may be modified as conditions dictate: • Grass seed will typically be planted in unfrozen soil between October 1 and April 30. • Grass seed will be planted with a grass drill, or where necessary, with a broadcast seeder. • The proposed seed mixes and application rates in pounds of pure live seed per acre are listed below. • Weed control practices will be implemented as required. Upland Areas. For disturbed upland areas,the reclamation plan includes revegetating with appropriate seed mixes to minimize erosion and reestablish natural terrain. The grass mixture below was selected to be long lasting and regenerating. The ground surface will be fine graded prior to seeding. Reservoir side slopes below the anticipated reservoir water level will not be seeded. Upland grass seed will be planted with a drill equipped with depth bands and press wheels. The seeded areas will then be covered with straw mulch at a rate of 2,000 pounds per acre The straw will be crimped into the soil to OTETRA TECH Page 4 1 6