2002-05-16_REVISION - M1985219 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXHIBIT E Reclamation Plan When mining is completed, the affected lands will be reclaimed as irrigated farmland, supporting crops such as sorghum and alfalfa, similar to other land uses in the area. Presently, a reclaimed portion of the pit floor is an alfalfa field. Mined lands in the proposed permit expansion area will be reclaimed as depicted on the Exhibit F Reclamation Plan Map. When mining in Area A is completed, after an estimated 15 to 20 years, reclamation will begin in the south half of Area A as mining operations begin in Area B. Approximately the south half of Area A will be reclaimed, taking approximately three years to complete. The north half of Area A will be used to stage primary operations as Area B and Area C are mined. The north half of Area A will be reclaimed when Area C mining is completed. Mining Area B will take approximately 1-3 years and reclamation of Area B will take approximately 3 years. Mining Area C will take approximately 1-3 yeazs and reclamation of Area C will begin when mining is completed. The north half of Area A will be reclaimed at the same time. Reclamation of the two areas will take approximately 3 years. Reclamation will be conducted using scrapers and/or dump trucks to haul to and place a minimum 2-foot cover of overburden and topsoil over a 2-foot gravel bed that will be maintained or replaced on the pit floor. The result will be a minimum 4-foot cover over the Mancos Shale. Overburden and topsoil on the pit floor will be graded north and west to facilitate imgated farming. A 2-foot earthen berm will prevent any surface water from leaving the affected area. Approximately 65,900 cubic yards of overburden and topsoil will be required to reclaim the proposed pit expansion areas. When reclamation is completed, the pit floor in the proposed permit expansion areas will contain approximately 18.8 acres, most of which will be farmed. The area of the pit side slopes will be approximately 6.5 acres and will not be farmed. Pit side slopes will be reclaimed 3 horizontal to 1 vertical. Graders will shape the material to the final configuration shown on the Reclamation Plan Map. Compaction will be by equipment travel.