1997-05-14_REVISION - M1981302 (3)

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Gregg R. Squire May 14, 1997 Page 3 of the Deepe Pit prepared by Flatiron Sand and Gravel. This map shows the locations of test holes as well as the overburden thickness,which includes topsoil. As can be seen, much of the site contained no topsoil or overburden to begin with. This includes the lake that was created as a result of previous mining activity that occurred in the 1950s. Furthermore, all Reclamation Plan drawings submitted to the Division of Minerals and Geology contained the following note: "It is the intent of this plan to balance the earthwork quantities so that these proposed final reclamation contours can be obtained using on-site materials. These on-site materials include overburden,processing waste materials and materials excavated from pond areas." The intent of the operator has always been to use only the materials that existed on the site prior to mining for purposes of reclamation. In the case of topsoil, all available on-site material was excavated and stockpiled for use in the reclamation of the site. As was noted in a letter from Mr. Gregg Squire to Dr. Jane Bunin dated August 21, 1996, "The dry land to be topsoiled according to the amount of topsoil available on site rather than the 6 to 8 inches" This was in reference to the topsoil amounts for reclamation of the Deepe Pit. 2. "Please provide the Division with an estimate of the remaining cubic yards of material which must be moved to obtain the proposed final contours and the average push distance required to move the material. "Also, please provide the Division with the yardage of topsoil which must still be distributed, where it must be placed and the locations of this material, as well as the total remaining acreage which must be seeded." Response to#2: In order to produce the finished contours shown on the Amended Reclamation Plan, it is estimated that approximately 188,000 cubic yards of material including overburden and topsoil must be moved. The material will be moved using scrapers. No dozer work is anticipated. The total yardage of topsoil that must be distributed is estimated to be approximately 50,000 cubic vards. This material will come from three separate stockpiles, one located north of the previous plant site, one located south of the previous plant site, and one located at the southwest comer of the Deepe Pit. The majority of this material will be placed over the plant site and Stage No. 6.