2025-03-14_PERMIT FILE - M2025016 (14)

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// PAGE 9 EXHIBIT E Raptor Materials, LLC Cogburn Sand, Gravel, and Reservoir Project February 2025 A Regular Impact (112) Construction Permit Application – Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, Office of Mined Land Reclamation Once the nature and extent of weeds have been mapped, and vectors identified, a course of treatment options will be considered in order of priority of economy and effectiveness. The overall object of weed management will be to control weeds by establishing a healthy competitive stand of vegetation that wins the competition for plant-available water. This effort is linked to on-site soil management, including monitoring of soil fertility and percent organic matter on problem lands relative to distribution and amount of field available moisture in affected areas. Physical weed control at the site will use non-chemical means, unless, due to weed morphology, or other factors, circumstance require application of other methods or an approved herbicide. If chemical weed control is utilized, it will be conducted in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations and in conformance with applicable federal, state, or local laws. Chemical treatment of weeds will be the last option considered except where all other methods of competitive control fails; including mechanical cutting, tilling, or removal of noxious weeds. Where possible, pre-emergent weed control chemicals will be used. An exception to chemical weed control would be operator-applied concentrated vinegar based organic weed control that does not harm soil or water. This is especially advantageous in application near water bodies. In general, weeds will be mowed or mechanically removed before a seed head can develop. This will take priority over recently seeded areas expressing emergent grasses. Where mechanical means fail; chemical applications may follow according to recommendations from previously stated sources, and applied accordingly (see above) to prevent damage to grasses, aquatic species and wildlife. An example of Chemical treatment and primary noxious weeds can be found at the Colorado State University Extension Service website: https://www.extension.colostate.edu/. Still, predominant weed control efforts will focus upon prevention, principally through the establishment of a diverse stabilizing cover of grasses, as described earlier. Regardless of control methodology, the intent of mechanical and chemical methods will be to prevent weed species from reproducing vegetatively, or by seeding in percentages that threaten the preferred species. In general, the idea is to aid the grasses in out competing weed species for plant available water and nutrients in the new soils, until such a time that the grasses are fully established over the applied areas, are dominant over the weeds, and capable of self- regeneration. It should be understood that some weeds will remain. Total eradication of weeds is unlikely under the best circumstances and is not a reasonable expectation or likely outcome. Treatment and control of noxious or nuisance weeds will be reported in OMLR Annual Reports as warranted. Topsoiling - specify anticipated minimum depth or range of depths for those areas where topsoil will be replaced. Placement of approximately 6 inches of soil and initial stabilization of affected lands with a stabilizing cover of grasses will better assure a foundation for later vertical development and establishment of cover; whether resulting from natural invasion or direct planning of trees, shrubs, and forbs. By themselves, the grasses will provide a stable foundation for later enhancements, while visibly improving wildlife habitat by interrupting area monocultures. A Backfill Notice follows this page. The flexible use of inert fill will facilitate the timely reclamation of affected lands.