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On 10-29-93, emergency/administrative approval was given by the DMG to extend the limits of mining to the east to correct the situation, with the proper amendment or T.R. to be submitted as soon as possible. However, Jefferson County did not grant administrative approval and further requested that a "full-blown" geotechnical rock mechanics/slope stability analysis be performed and submitted prior to any consideration of expansion of mining. Further, a revised reclamation plan and visual impact analysis would be required, and a hearing before the Board of Adjustment would determine if expansion were to be allowed. A copy of this letter is in your file. On 12-8-92, a contract was signed with Brierley and Lyman (now, Haley and Aldrich)to perform the requested geotechnical/mine design study. A submittal date for a T.R. of 12-15-92 was given by the DMG. On 12-15-92, we sent a letter to the DMG describing the study to be performed and the inability to submit a T.R. by 12-15-92, due to the necessity of a revised mine design for the east highwalls. Due to weather problems, and the need for a new topographic base with a high degree of accuracy for the east highwall area, the geotechnical/mine design project was not completed as "final" until 5-18-93. The report and design more than adequately address the slope stability problem, provide for an "interim" mine design, and suggest follow-up monitoring. Attached is a plan view of this design. The recommended procedures will be followed exactly, when approval is acquired to extend the limits of mining. No backfilling of the ±60 foot benches will be performed for at least one year in order to monitor the stability of the interim bench configuration (highwalls are designed to be 40 feet high). If stability is evident, the configuration, with possible minor adjustments, will remain. Bacl~illing and revegetation would follow. On 6-2-93, the DMG received this report and drawings. On 5-27-93, a copy of this report was also sent to Jefferson County along with another request to administratively approve the expansion of the quarry. We felt this request was warranted, as the eastern limit of disturbance would increase by only 80 feet and the elevation loss would only be 14 feet. However, on 6-29- 93, we were again denied administrative approval to make this minor expansion, and were informed that we would have to amend our zoning and appear before the County Commissioners to attempt to gain approval for this expansion. A copy of this letter is attached. We had hoped to gain administrative approval, through Jefferson County for this minor expansion prior to 6-30-93, when we had hoped to submit an amendment or T.R. to the DMG. The submittal of the proper application to the DMG would have coincided with the beginning of remining of the east highwalls. However, with administrative denial of our request for mine expansion to the east of the quarry, through Jefferson County, any remining of this area would be at least 7 to 8 months away. This is an approximate time frame that would result in approval or denial for expansion from the Jefferson County BCC. During this time, mining in the quarry would/could only continue on the west and south sides of the central quarry, on 40 foot benches with 80 foot highwalls. We are currently preparing a submittal to Jefferson County requesting the expansion. However, a visual impact analysis is also being prepared, as requested by Jefferson County.