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• , iii iiiiiiiiiiiii iii <br />Thomas A. Schueiner RECEIVED March 2, 1998 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology MpR 0 5 1998 <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />]313 Sherman St. <br />Denver, CO 80203 Division of Minerals & Geology <br />Re: Permit M-97-098 - Flag Creek Mine, 1 ] 2 Conversion Application -Response to Review <br />Comments of February 25, 1998 <br />Dear Mr. Schreiner, <br />We received your second set of comments and have the following responses: <br />Commeut 1, on revising [he ist page ofthe application form -requires that [he form be changed <br />to list 140 permitted acres. <br />Respouse -Page 1 has been revised to show the requested permit area as 140 acres (attached). <br />Commeut 2, related to phasing. <br />Response - As stated in our prior response of February 23, 1998, "the plan is to provide <br />individual maps for each of the proposed phases of mining prior to the start of that phase. The <br />operator wishes to bond reclamation for 1 phase at a time and will notify the Division of any <br />major changes to the mine plan due to conditions discovered during the mining operation". The <br />applicant will provide the necessary mining plan, reclamation plan, and reclamation bond as <br />required fur each phase prior to initiation of mining on each phase. <br />Comment 3, related to topsoil depth on the terraces and the borrow area. <br />Response -The plan is to replace topsoil on the flat portion of the terraces in order to establish <br />vegetation after mining is complete. The area to be reclaimed is currently a very steep rocky <br />hillside with abundant rock outcroppings and talus. There is currently very little vegetation. We <br />agree that it would be nice to have a 6 inch soil base for reclamation; however, the goal is not to <br />turn the terraces into a pasture, but only to provide enough plant cover to return the site to its <br />currently poor vegetative state. The difference in cost between replacing 2 inches of soil and 6 <br />inches of soil is considerable and may be unwarranted. If it appears that the 2 inches of soil <br />replacement proposed is inadequate to establish vegetation, then additional top soil will be added <br />to the terraces. <br />Comment 4, regarding the total reclamation cost of $35,100. <br />Response - We assume that this is the cost for Phase 1 and that Phase 2 and 3 will be calculated <br />upon submittal of detailed plans prior to the start of each phase.. <br />Sincerely, <br />David R. Smuin <br />HydroTerra - (970)242-4454 <br />