REV02511 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~~ Mr. James C. Stevens August 6, 2001 Page Two Topsoil and Overburden Response: The proposed Technical Revision (TR-002) does not change the availability and stockpiling of onsite topsoil for reclamation under the currently approved Reclamation Plan. The S-4 Sand Pit contains no topsoil. However, screened and/or washed fines removed from sand during the processing operation have proven to be useful for purposes ofbackfill and reclamation. Rio Grande intends to use reject wash fines as a topsoil substitute for reclamation. Rio Grande's position in this matter is basically to utilize whatever material is available onsite for reclamation of this site. Lack of onsite topsoil should not be seen as an obstacle to revegetation of the site. 2. Reclamation of Disturbed Uplands Response: The proposed Technical Revision (TR-002) does not change the reclamation of disturbed uplands under the currently approved DMG Permit. The measures involved in reclaiming upland areas are as follows: 1. Where necessary, upland areas will first be scarified. 2. Next, upland areas will be fertilized, the rate and composition of which will be determined at the time of seeding. 3. Finally, disturbed areas will be reseeded using the upland seed mix. 3. Relationship of Backfill and Excavated Volumes Response: In part, the goal of the Reclamation Plan is to create wetlands through the use of wash fines. Because the east end of the S-4 Pit contains shallower sand deposits, excavated areas in that end of the site will receive wash fines from the processing plant. These settling ponds will be filled to the approximate level of the prevailing ground water elevation, which is considerably below the pre-mining surface elevation of the affected azea. The Reclamation Plan is based on the use of onsite material- it should be noted that the revised Reclamation Plan drawing submitted to the DMG as part of TR-002 states that "the contours shown hereon are t2'." Once again, it is difficult to appreciate why this issue if germane to the proposed TR. 4. Timing ofRevegetation Efforts Response: The Division is correct in its assumption. A[ this time, revegetation of [he disturbed areas will not occur until all backfilling, grading, sloping, e[c. have been completed.