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James B. McArdle February 26, 1980 Page 2 Fourth, the mining plan appears uncertain. Procedures for topsoil removal, stockpiling, de-watering, gravel removal, etc. should be well established. Care of topsoil for reclamation has not been addressed. The construction, operation and reclamation of de-watering trenches is unclear. How will they be built and managed? Will all suspended solids be allowed to settle before pumping? Are settling basins necessary? Will pumping "in fact" be allowed by the Department of Health? Much conjecture seems involved here. Fifth, the applicant implies that the area is to be reclaimed as a rec- reational and/or wildlife area. This needs to be expanded. What kind of recreational area? Will the area be reclaimed as wildlife habitat? If not, what form of recreation is intended? [,That type of "recreation for man" is intended? The Mined Land Rules and Regulations state that there must be "reclamation with purpose". Sixth, the applicant states that noise, air and water pollution require- ments will be met, but does not state how. Seventh, no written commitment to the final design of the gravel pits is given. If they are to be as indicated in "Exhibit C" we find them to be excellent. It appears by looking at "Exhibit C" that a minimum 160 foot retention zone between the river and each gravel pit will be maintained. We find this to be adequate. Regarding reclamation, specifics on backfilling, contouring, sloping, top- soiling, etc. need to be defined. What are the final contours? To what depth will the land be topsoiled? Amounts and types of fertilizers? Will seeded areas be irrigated? Why file the area? There is a discrep- ancy on how the banks will be sloped. The text states that the pits will be sloped to a ratio of 4:1 while "Exhibit F" indicates a 5:1 slope. We approve the design shown in "Exhibit F". More attention needs to be given to revegetation. How will they be re- vegetated? Will trees and shrubs be used? How many? What types of grass seed will be used? How much? The application states that pasture grasses and/or native grasses will be planted. We recommend that the area be reseeded to native plant species to facilitate the return of wildlife, which is apparently one of the expressed desires of the applicant. The planting of shrubs and trees should be included in the reclamation plan. It is encouraging to note that the applicant will leave all existing woody vegetation (pp. E-2). Eighth, no mention is made regarding the net loss of water through evap- oration. [de support the Division of Water Resources recommendations on this .