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MINING PLAN <br />there is some gravel above the ground water, but generally the top of the water table is located at the <br />interface of the overburden and gravel. Thus, material located between the bottom of the topsoil layer and <br />the gravel layer is considered overburden, even though it may also be considered subsoil. <br />On this site overburden could have value as a growth medium It contains considerable root <br />material of the cottonwood trees. Replacement of the overburden just above the water table will likely <br />accelerate return to riparian forest much more rapidly and at low or no cost. Thus, for this Amendment 2 <br />area only, overburden will be considered a viable growth medium that will enhance the ability of the site to <br />return to riparian forest without additional planting of trees. <br />If the site is mined in one winter season, some of the existing tree material that is removed maybe <br />replaced in the overburden/topsoil replacement operation. These materials will be buried shallowly in the <br />top of the growth medium and above the expected ground water elevation. Inclusion of this woody <br />vegetation often results in resprouting of the branches, trunks and other plant materials and a quick <br />regeneration of the forest. Furthermore, inclusion of this woody material in the top layer provides additional <br />protection against flood waters and adds organic matter needed for developing a quality riparian forest area <br />(see Reclamation Plan for more details on this aspect). <br />Dewatering <br />Dewatering of this site will be through the existing dewatering processes for the main pit to the <br />north. There will be no separate dewatering operation established for this area. <br />Timetables of Operation <br />It is expected that most, if not all, of the mining and reclamation will be done during the winter <br />months of 2004/2005. This small area should be able to be operated that quickly. However, it is possible <br />that mining and reclamation will need to be extended further into 2005. Much of that depends on market <br />demands for product and any unexpected difficulties. <br />Explosives <br />No explosives will be used in the course of conducting this operation. The material to be mined is <br />easily extracted with afront-end loader or similar equipment. <br />Pueblo East Pit Amendment 2 (2004) Exhibit D Page 5 of 6 <br />