2003-03-31_REVISION - M1977344 (2)

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Division of Minerals and Geology March 31, 2003 Page 8 of 17 pit develops, incident precipitation will be contained within the disturbed area and managed in temporary ponds. Water will either evaporate or be used in operations (e.g. dust suppression). In the unlikely event that excessive water volumes build up in the operating pit, water will be pumped into the natural drainage course(s) leading to Bear Creek. No water will be released without sufficient retention to reduce suspended solids. At this time, Holcim does not anticipate that excessive water will accumulate in the quarry, based on our experience to date in the west side of Cuts 2 and 3 in lower Bear Creek. In this area, mining has progressed to the top of the Translime layer of limestone, and no saturated conditions have been observed other than discontinuous lenses of perched water that collectively have not produced excessive volumes. Item No. 18 DMG: Describe topsoil handling, stockpiling and protection of the topsoil from wind and water erosion if it is not used in reclamation within one year. Show on your mine plan map locations for topsoil storage, if it is to be stored. If you can not determine specific locations for storage, show typical locations. The Division recommends that for your type of mining operation, where mine cuts are continually backfilled, topsoil be applied to reclamation areas immediately after being salvaged from an area to 6e mined. Response: As the quarry initiates a new mine cut, topsoil is recovered and hauled to designated topsoil stockpile areas (see Exhibit C- 2), where it is stockpiled and then seeded with quick growth grasses for the prevention of erosion. It is planned that, once-the backfilling of Cut 2 is completed and the area is ready for final reclamation, an area in the northeast corner of the cut will be designated for a topsoil stockpile for use in reclamation of the next cut. This system will continue as each successive cut is completed and reclaimed. By this method Holcim will also minimize the long term storage of topsoils/A horizon soils. Item No. 19 DMG: Your choice of seeding method is broadcast seeding. This method may be appropriate if a tractor drawn mechanical seeder is used. However, the Division recommends that you consider drill seeding, since you will probably be planting relatively large flat areas. A drill seeder provides better control of planting depth, which is very important in seed germination and vegetation establishment. A drill seeder is usually also equipped with packing wheels to form the seedbed, which is another important factor in seed germination. Response.• Holcim disagrees with the conclusion of the DMG regarding the broadcast method, as this has been implemented previously with success. Holcim prefers the proven method of broadcast seeding of the final disc(ed), contoured area with the approved seed mixture, cleating through the use of a dozer, and then fertilizing. Once this has been completed, the area will be strawed for wind erosion protection and moisture retention. Holcim Response to Amendment Adequacy Review.doc