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EzhlbitE <br />overburden on the previously-mined pit floor by loader and haul truck. The pit floor will <br />exist at an elevation 20-40 ft below the original surface elevation, due to the removal of <br />the limestone. <br />A bulldozer will grade and compact the overburden layer to a uniform surface before <br />scrapers apply excavated topsoil. As shown in the accompanying maps; except for side <br />slopes, the slope of the entire operation does not exceed a range of 1-3 percent, and will <br />be easily- prepared with final grading for revegetation. Erosional impact will be <br />minimized by the flat grades and timely revegetation. <br />Disturbed areas will be amended as necessary and reseeded using an appropriate mixture <br />of native seeds approved by the Pueblo County Extension Office. The revegetation <br />process will be that of spreading a combination seed mixture of western wheat grass <br />(Pascopyrum smithii), side oats (Bouteloua curtipendula), and blue grama (Bouteloua <br />gracilis), during the various months of the growing season. It is anticipated that the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology, as well as the Colorado Division of Wildlife, <br />will allow for the addition of other native grasses to generate fast cover growth, <br />depending on the planting season. Certified seed will be purchased in accordance with <br />pure live seed (PLS) expectations. Commercially available seed mixtures will be certified <br />for purity, germination, and noxious weed-free condition. Selection of plant species for <br />revegetation is based on existing species occurrence and community composition, <br />establishment potential,, growth characteristics, soil stabilizing qualities, and commerciai <br />• availability. <br />Revegetation with native species immediately following a disturbance lowers the risk of <br />noxious weed occupation. If required by ground conditions, ripping or discing will be the <br />initial measure for soil preparation. Seeding. will be accomplished by broadcast, seed <br />drilling, or hydro seeding, as appropriate for specific areas. On steeper slopes, seed may <br />be hand broadcast with a higher seeding rate. Reseeded areas will not be disturbed by <br />routine maintenance of the facilities. The new vegetation will be allowed to mature <br />undisturbed by grazing, until an acceptable and sustainable level of cover is attained. <br />Reclamation Plan Summary -Surface Mine Area <br />1. Final Grading Maximum Slope gradient range of 4H to 1 V <br />2. Topsoiling Minimum thickness of A and B horizon soil application is 12" <br />3. Seeding 8 lb PLS/acre western wheat grass <br />4 Ib PLS/acre side-oats grama <br />416 PLS/acre blue grama <br />4. Timing Topsoiling will be ongoing after final grading of overburden <br />is completed. <br />After the plant and associated facilities have exhausted their economic life, they will be <br />dismantled and removed from the site. Pavement and concrete floors and foundations will <br />be removed and disposed off-site. The railroad spur will be reclaimed by the removal of <br />. the track and ballast with off-site disposal. The resulting corridor will be graded to blend <br />~+PPF-zbibitsA-T-APP(n80)RevB/lanuary 1'7, 2002 E_2 <br />