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.~ <br />Weather also curtailed the importation of top soil which was intended to cap the <br />berm. Rain, sleet and snow, made conditions wet, muddy and unsuitable for <br />proper finish grading and hydro mulching. In order to obtain our maximum slope <br />gradient of 1 ''/z: 1 and successful hydro mulching, dryer conditions must exist to <br />insure project feasibility, sustainability, and safe working conditions. The sound <br />berm is intended to be permanent, though at this juncture, it has not been <br />required by the County to be so. Should they require removal, we will notify your <br />office with a technical revision request and accompanying removal plan for the <br />berm. Prior to commencing any mining activities in 2006, we will be undertaking <br />a "clean up" in our process area. This shall first include the finish grading work <br />needed on the sound berm and its hydro mulching. Further activities will include <br />stockpiling larger boulders, grading of the pit floor and decks, stripping of over <br />burden on the North wall, and a clean up of any topical sticks and tree roots. <br />Top Soil and Overburden materials: Our reclamation topsoil has been <br />stockpiled as noted in the inspection report. This material is native to the pit; <br />nothing in this pile has been imported. All imported materials have not and will <br />not be mixed with the native topsoil. Imported fill material is being used for the <br />road relocation, wetlands fill, and sound berm as directed by the County. <br />In early November we were able to begin importation of the topsoil cap for the <br />sound berm, poor weather ceased operations sooner than expected. The <br />imported topsoil is being stored outside the process area but within the permitted <br />DMG boundary. We estimate this to be approximately'/4 mile from the native <br />topsoil stockpile, and again as stated, we will not be mixing these two "like" <br />products. <br />As operations commence in the spring of 2006, our first order of business will be <br />the above mentioned "clean up". Overburden clearing will begin on the North wall <br />and the material pushed to the Eastern boundary, remaining north of the native <br />topsoil pile. It is our intention always to maintain segregation of all overburden, <br />imported, and native topsoil materials within the permitted boundary. <br />Weed Control Management Program: As noted in the 10-25-05 inspection <br />report, several Canadian Thistle rosettes were observed and addressed to our <br />attention. We have contacted the San Miguel County Weed Control Management <br />Department for assistance in the proper implementation of a Weed Management <br />Program on our property, <br />Sheila Grother is the San Miguel County Weed Control Manager that has <br />advised us on a proper weed control program. Our meeting directed the following <br />plan as acceptable containment and management procedures. Should the DMG <br />prefer another management plan, please notify us before spring 2006. <br />