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2. Please specify how United proposes to reduce the slopes of, replace topsoil on <br />and revegetate the island. Currently, the Division will assume that the lake will <br />be dewatered so the island and north pit slope can be accessed for reclamation. <br />The bond will be recalculated accordingly. <br />Slope grades at the island are 3H:1 V. Photographs of the island are attached to <br />illustrate the existing grades that exist. <br />The Reclamation Permit for this site contains information (Exhibit I) about the soils <br />that existed prior to mining. In the area where the island is located the soil described <br />is RIVERWASH (Ro). United Companies did place soil on the slopes and flat surface <br />of the island during reclamation of the site. Soil material was placed on the island <br />surface and slopes during reclamation to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. The soil placed at <br />the island was GREEN RIVER VERY FINE SANDY LOAM, DEEP OVER <br />GRAVEL (Gm). ). A copy of the description of the soil is attached to this response. <br />Visual inspection of the photographs of the island shows that the gravel deposit is not <br />visible at the slopes of the island, indicating that soil was placed on the slopes and <br />surface. The typical interface at this site, between the gravel deposit and soil above, is <br />a sharp line between the two materials. Gravel maybe visible mixed in with the soil, <br />but it is important to consider the source of the soil that has been placed. Both soil <br />types that occur at the site are located in the floodplain of the Colorado River. From <br />the descriptions neither soil is considered very fertile or of high quality as a result of <br />close proximity to the river. United Companies feels the fact must be recognized that <br />we worked with soil at the site which were poor quality soil. <br />Vegetation is present at the island. The photographs show trees, shrubs and grass <br />present. The south side of the island has good plant cover. <br />The central area and north side of the island is less well vegetated. Reseeding of areas <br />with sparse vegetation can be done. United Companies would prefer to do this at a <br />time of the year when successful establishment and growth of the plants is possible. <br />We would expect to perform this work in the manner described in the approved <br />reclamation plan. <br />3. United Companies must commit to a maximum area and depth to be backfilled <br />(and illustrated on map) so reclamation cost figures for this area can be <br />calculated. <br />The map attached has been modified to reduce the area where backfill maybe placed. <br />Backfill placement will be confined to the area shown on the new map. Depth of the <br />backfill at this area will be between 16 and 20 feet above the existing lake surface. As <br />the backfill is placed the existing ground surface will be graded toward the lake to <br />create surface drainage. <br />United Companies proposes that backfilled material be allowed to compact naturally <br />over time by settlement of the material. When the time comes when the final <br />