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The mine plan map and the report maps aze not labeled or sequenced in a compatible manner. This causes confusion when trying to follow the reports recommendations with the revised mine plan map. Furthermore, the reports seem to contradict one another as to the best way to proceed depending on which impact is being mitigated. There appears to be two major azeas of concem with respect to potential impact and mitigation measures. These are the irrigation wells and the wetlands. The decision to wet mine in general appears to have greatly alleviated the potential impact to the adjacent wells since the draw-down now appears to be almost negligible with respect to the available saturated thickness. It should be noted that these aze the report's conclusions and it does not appear that a mitigation plan is being proposed in the event these projections aze inaccurate. Are there any proposed mitigation plans, and if so, what are they? On the other hand, the potential impact to the wetlands from a 1-3 foot draw down could be substantially more damaging. Therefore, the proposed mining sequence to best mitigate the impact to the wetlands should probably be the primary plan from which to proceed. It appears that the mining sequence in the wetlands report addresses the impact to both areas of concem in the most balanced way. Given this assumption, figure 5 from the wetland report and Exhibit 3 (Mine Plan Map) need to be coalesced into a single logical mining sequence (along with the reclamation plan map and the extraction plan map). Presently, it does not appear that Exhibit 3 follows the mining sequence recommendations proposed in the wetland report or the well report. Furthermore, the starting point, ending point and mining direction in each mine area should be cleazly illustrated. This will allow our office to properly gauge the potential impacts as indicated from the lake leveling effects. Another area that needs clarification is the proposed monitoring plan and the submittal of all available data. It appeazs that monthly monitoring has occurred since installation of the wells, however, the last data submitted is for October of 2001. Please provide all additional data that has been collected to date. Second, please submit a proposed monitoring plan that will provide a solid baseline, will track fluctuations throughout the life of the mine, and will provide a trigger for implementing mitigation measures. In summazy, a single cohesive mining, monitoring, and mitigation plan that combines the various elements from both studies and any other aspects of the mining operations should be submitted for our review. This will provide a single point of reference for all the parties involved to work from prior to mining, and once the actual disturbance begins. 6.4.8 Exhibit A -Wildlife Information The staff will await your response and final mitigation proposals on the water information prior to addressing this area in any more detail. 6.4.12 Exhibit L -Reclamation Costs We will not be able to finalize the bonding costs until some of the previously identified concerns are addressed in more detail. However, a preliminary estimate is being