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<br />The site is proposed to be reclaimed as grassland, <br />which is consistent with surrounding lands owned by <br />the applicant. Only limited topsoil is available on site; <br />however, the Soil Conservation District is recom- <br />mending use of six (6) to eight (8) inches of native <br />material, whereas the application references four (4) <br />to six (6) inches. This is intended to help establish <br />the revegetation. The District originally recom- <br />mended that the high wall utilize either a less steep <br />slope or erosion control blanket. The high wall's <br />slope has been lessened in the revised mining plan; <br />however, the EI Paso County Department of Public <br />Works has expressed some concerns regarding <br />erosion of the high wall. The Division of Wildlife <br />originally recommended that oakbrush be replanted <br />to be more in conformance with surrounding hillsides, <br />and that the reclaimed area be fenced to prohibit <br />livestock grazing until adequate grass stands are <br />established. The applicant has included oakbrush <br />replanting in the revised mining plan, however noting <br />that little success in replanting has occurred State- <br />wide. Concurrent reclamation of the high wall is <br />proposed, which should result in complete revegeta- <br />tion prior to the daylighting of the pit to the east. <br />While there would appear to be significant adjacent <br />stands of oakbrush for wildlife habitat, the future <br />visual impact of the operation could be reduced by <br />inclusion of oakbrush on the exposed slopes of the <br />mining area. Prohibiting grazing of livestock on <br />newly reclaimed areas for a period of two (2) years <br />would also be beneficial in establishment of the <br />vegetation. <br />With the reclamation suggestions of the review <br />agencies, it is staff's opinion that the site can be <br />reclaimed to be compatible with surrounding uses. <br />4. The operation will result in an efficient use of the mineral deposit. <br />The mining will occur simply by excavation, with a <br />portable screen on site. No washing will take place. <br />Because of the nature of the material, little wastage <br />will occur and unusable fines can be used in leveling <br />the site for reclamation. <br />