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RECLAMATION PLAN <br />and regulations, this will be changed to a formal adjudicated augmentation plan. With <br />this regulatory structure, damage to surface and groundwater resources are accounted for <br />in the regional water use regulation. Consumptive use during the operation is covered by <br />various in-place water rights, as detailed in the SWSP. The actual consumption is <br />included in evaporation and losses through absorption into the product. The losses in <br />product is derived from a small fraction of the approximately 3500 gallons per minute <br />used in the washing operation. Evaporative losses are accounted for in the plan and take <br />into account the amount of free water surface exposed in the pit and through dewatering <br />operations. Water use for dust control and other operational aspects is also accounted for <br />in the SWSP. The SWSP is updated on an annual basis and adjustments are made based <br />on what developed during the previous year and what is expected to occur in the next <br />year. <br />In the event the reservoir is completed and filled, it will be the responsibility of <br />the party storing the water to provide for whatever losses will occur. The operator will not <br />be using the site as a reservoir, but will only create the reservoir structure for the use of <br />others. <br />Irrigation water for revegetation, if needed, will be covered under existing water <br />rights and will be done with the approval of the State Engineer. At this point in time <br />there is no provision for irrigation as any need for irrigation is a few years in the future <br />and it is not known whether it will actually be needed. This will be addressed as that <br />need arises. <br />What little impact this operation will have on water resources, either during <br />mining or after reclamation, has been designed into the operation and is covered by <br />appropriate approvals. <br />Water -Groundwater Specific Requirements <br />This operation is not expected to have any adverse effects on groundwater quality. <br />No chemicals or other contaminating materials will be used in conducting this operation. <br />The mining and processing facilities at this site will be highly similar to those that have <br />been used at the Pueblo West Pit for decades. The possibility of measurable <br />contamination of the groundwater from this type of operation is extremely remote. <br />A monitoring program is already in place which is designed to primarily monitor <br />water quantities, but can also be used to monitor water quality. If there is a reason to <br />monitor quality this system could serve that purpose as well. <br />Pueblo East Pit Amendment Ex ibit E Page 6 <br />