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<br />EXFIIBIT E <br />Groundwater <br />No adverse groundwater effects are anticipated due to the proximity of the pits to the Big <br />Thompson river, the relatively shallow depth of mining, and the reclamation plan, which <br />does not include any lined structures to impede natural flows. Dewatering operations, <br />when needed, will pump water into existing reservoirs or the Big Thompson River, after <br />appropriate siltation and sediment settling has occurred. This will be under the direction <br />of any necessary NPDES permits. <br />Any monitoring of groundwater conditions will be at the request of the Board or the <br />Water Quality Control Commission. <br />Wildlife <br />Exhibit H provides a more complete discussion. In summary, the Reclamation Plan <br />attempts to create habitat more suited to wildlife than current conditions. Although little <br />habitat currently exists within the permit area, the safety and protection of wildlife will be <br />taken into account while mining and reclamation activities are occurring. <br />Since proposed conditions are not substantially changed from existing, (concrete batch <br />plant, stockpiles, truck traffic, etc.), few wildlife impacts are expected. After reclamation <br />is complete, it is expected that more wildlife will inhabit the area than under current <br />conditions. <br />Topsoiling <br />Native topsoil, subsoil, and overburden will be stockpiled for reclamation at locations <br />described in Exhibit D-Mining Plan. Any piles remaining undisturbed for more than one <br />growing season will be seeded with fast-growing cover to minimize contamination and <br />erosion. More detail may be found in Section 4 of this Exhibit. <br />Since the stockpiles will be located within the Big Thompson River floodway, hydraulic <br />consideration will be given to shape and location of these piles. These considerations <br />include aligning the stockpiles with the natural flow of the river. <br />Reclamation will occur for the Reichert Pit concurrent with mining of the Flatiron Pit, <br />reducing potential adverse impacts and reducing the volume of soils to be stockpiled at <br />any one time. <br />Planting will be done as part of the reclamation process. Around the perimeter of the <br />Flatiron Pit reservoir (above the normal water surface elevation) and the side slopes and <br />bottom of the Reichert Pit, suitable growth media topsoil will have a minimum depth of <br />12". Any other disturbed areas requiring grading, seeding, or planting wil! have a <br />minimum of 6" of suitable growth media topsoil. <br />Reve etation <br />The short-term objective of revegetation is the immediate stabilization of the disturbed site <br />following the conclusion of mining activities. This objective will be achieved through <br />controlled mining practices, construction and maintenance of erosion and sediment control <br />