2007-01-31_REVISION - M1986015 (2)

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the pit, if [he groundwater barrier wall was put completely around the pi[, that parcel of land would essentially become a sump. Not only would water from 25`" Lane likely fill this area, potentially creating a swamp, but eventually waste from the septic systems would render the water in this sump highly undesirable. It became clear that there needed to be a well defined pathway for both groundwater and the contained septic system water to leave [he area. As discussed later in the actual mining plan for Phase 2, [his problem will be solved by not sealing the northeastern corner of the Phase 2 area. In fact, that must be [he very first location for mining. The reclamation of this isolated, unsealed pit is discussed in the Reclamation Plan, Exhibit E. STEP 3: Topsoil Salvage and Stockpiling Requirement: Soil over lands to be mined shall be removed prior to mining. Soil will be removed from each area as it is opened for mining rather than over [he entire area all at once. DISCUSSION: Topsoil within the amendment area is important to [he successful establishment of the post-mining vegetation in this area. The soil resources here cannot be lost or, in some areas, the revege[ation requirements may not be sufficiently met. More detail on the use of soil and overburden [o accomplish [he intended final use is provided in the next section of [his exhibit as well as in the Reclamation Plan (Exhibit E). All soil above the overburden layer will be removed and stockpiled in locations that will allow for easy replacement over the backfilled pit. Soil removal will not occur over the entire area all at once. Instead, it will occur as new areas are opened for mining. Requirement: Most of the soil removed from Phase 2 will be taken to Phase 1 for use as topdressing for backfilled areas. Sufficient Phase 2 soil will be retained in Phase 2 for use in topdressing completed pit slopes above the expected high water level of a reservoir established after completion of mining. DISCUSSION: Movement of soil from Phase 2 will primarily be into Phase 1 where it will be most needed to topdress areas that are completely backfilled. Some soil will be retained in Phase 2 though as some will be needed to topdress the zone above where the anticipated maximum water level would be with a reservoir. It is expected that soil to be retained for use in Phase 2 will be stockpiled in the overflow barrier berm on the southern side of the operation near the river. A[ the end of the operation this can [hen be distributed on the upper parts of the final slopes just prior to establishment of a reservoir. Pueblo East Pit Amendment 3 (2007) Exhibit D Page 26 of 34