2003-08-08_REVISION - M1980037HR

• Permit No: M1980037HR
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 8/8/2003
• Doc Name: Adequacy Comments
• From: Pioneer Sand Company Inc.
• To: DMG
• Type & Sequence: TR1
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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& Company, Inc.
Environmental and Water Resource Services
] 8220 Red Clover Lane, Monument, CO 80]32
Suggested Responses to MLRB Adequacy Comments:
1} NRCS does not recommend fertilizing because is will cause noxiotrs vteeds to proliferate and the
native plants will have a hard time surviving aher the initial fertilization.
2) The thickness of the fine-grained residual material will be 3 to 6 inches. At the time of maximum
disturbance we estimate there will be 1200 linear feel of high wall with a 20-foot wide bench. The
resulting volutnes of material will be 222 to 444 cubic yards. Based on the amount oC this material
produced by the mining and crushing operations onsite, there will always be a stockpile available far
spreading. Therefore, no replacement cost is warranted. However, we would propose a cost for
spreading the stockpiled material of approximately 50.50 per cubic yard resulting in a iota[ cost of
$111 to $222.
3) As recomtnended by Terracon, the reclamation of the outslopes at the north and south end of the
high wall wilt be reclaimed by placing'rearranging rock rubble on 2:1 slopes. It is estimated L`tat the
volume of material ncedcd to be moved will be approximately 125 cubic yards per outslope.
Handling/recontouring the material will cost approximateh~ 51.00 per cubic yard. Therefore the cost
for reclamation would be on the order of 5125 per outslope or 5250 total (2 ouulopesj. The cost for
blasting, if ncedcd, would be approximately S 157 (S 1250 per linear foot times 12.5 linear feet at Z:1
slope}. If blasting is required the total co<_t for reclamation of both octslopes would be on the order of
5555.
5) Blasting would involve approximately 18.5 cubic yards per lineal foot of high wall. V.`orst-cast
scenario would be 1206 feet of hiult wall resulting ir. 22?00 cubic yard; of material to be moved. At a
rate of S 1.00 per cubic yard, this cost Mould be a maximam of 532,200.
7) While the permit allows a masimtun dtsturbed area of 2 t acres, we used ] 0 acres based on historic
information. Currently and historically no more than 10 acres have been disturbed at any one time.
However, if MLRB would prefer to use 21 acres then the reclamation cost would be 521,000.
However; a portion of this area would include the 1300-foo*. {maximum) hieh wall which represents
approximately 0.5 acre at an estimated cost of S 15,000. Therefore, the maximum cost would be
520,500 (21 acres minus 0.5-acre high wallj plus an estimated 515,000 for a total reclamation cost o;
5.5,500.
While the post-mining land use is to be improved rangeland and wildlife habitat, it was not intended to
specifically construct "habitat". Since the pre-mining landscape is primarily exposed bedrock largely
devoid of topsoil and vegetation, the "improved rangeland and wildlife habitat" will be achieved by
planting which will provide forage for grazing and cover for habitat which did no[ previously exist.
Prior to seeding; the seed bed (i.e., fine-grained residual material) will be prepared by discing, if
necessary due to over compaction. The seed will then 6e planted using the drill method and
subsequently weed-free straw will be crimped into the seed bed to help prevent erosion and retair.
moisture. The reclamation cost of $1,000 per acre includes these tasks.
719-460-5952 Fax: [phone] _ E-mail [e-mail]