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~'~. . Exhibit E Reclamation Plan EMPIRE PIT The operator proposes to reclaim the mined area by construction of one large pond and also an area for pasture as shown on the accompanying "Reclamation Plan" map. This proposed reclamation is in conformance with the objectives of the landowner. The pond area will become a fish and waterfowl habitat and a private recre- ation area. In addition, a municipality has expressed interest in making use of the pond as a storage reservoir for municipal water supply. The other area to be reclaimed will be leveled sufficiently to allow vehicu- lar travel, and will be reseeded to grasses for pasture. The shoreline of the pond will be shaped to a maximum 3:1 slope concurrently with the mining, and the banks will be covered with about 6 inches of top- soil, and reseeded to a mixtume bf grasses as recommended by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Generally, land use in the surrounding area consists of forested hills with some native pastures in the creek bottoms. The area provides recreation through hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. The proposed reclamation plan will augment the recreational nature of the area and will provide ad- ditional wildlife habitat. When the gravel from Phase I is extracted the pit will be allowed to refill with water. Disturbed areas above normal waterline will be covered with topsoil, and reseeding done in accordance with recommendations made by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Phase II will have gravel extracted to an elevation above the natural around water table. Upon completion of mining operations, the ground will be smoothed to allow distribution of a minimum of six inches to topsoil over the area; then seeding vrill be done to establish a native pastureland using seeding rates, dates, and varieties recommended by the USDA Soil Conserva- tion Service.