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5) Within the Mining Plan, there is a commitment to begin partiaF sloping of the east <br />and west highwalls concurrent to mining as soon as it does not interfere with <br />normal operations. Staff has a concern that there is no commitment to begin <br />revegetation efforts on these slopes for 2 years. If as proposed, no revegetation is <br />done until the end of the 2-year period these slopes will be unprotected from erosion <br />for to long of a period. Staff suggests a commitment to begin revegetation efforts <br />upon establishment of slopes. The operator can then have adequate time to <br />establish proposed vegetation and evaluate if certain aspects of the approved seed <br />mix need to adjusted for better survival and success before final efforts begin. <br />Also, when these slopes are adequately reclaimed, a partial release can be asked for <br />reducing the overall reclamation bond liability at the site. <br />6) A review of the seed mix shows a varied and diverse mix of appropriate grasses. <br />Staff has observed that in environments such as the Corey that certain shrubs <br />actually do better than some of the grasses. To compliment the grasses staff asks <br />that the permitee add in four-wing saltbush, and possibly some sage or bottlebrush <br />at least on sloped areas. <br />7) Groundwater issues are a major concern to area neighbors and the Division. Staff <br />will ask for a commitment that if groundwater is accidentally exposed that the <br />operator immediately cover the area with 2 feet of material and not mine below that <br />elevation until the proper permits are received by the OSE or mining is completed. <br />81 Per Rule 6.4.4(it, please specify if or not explosives will be used on site. <br />These reviewed issues do not imply that all other requirements are met. Further adequacy <br />review will be undertaken on this application as relevant information is supplied and <br />analyzed. If you need additional information, please contact me at the Division of Minerals <br />and Geology, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 S. 3rd St., Suite 301, Grand Junction, CO. <br />81501, telephone no. 970.241.1 1 17. <br />Sincerely, <br />Russ eans <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />Cc: Carl Mount, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist, DMG /Denver (e-mail) <br />Enclosures: Comments from Shavano Conservation District and Office of State Engineer. <br />