2005-01-18_REVISION - M1978314 (2)

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Erica Crosby Division of Minerals and Geology January 14, 2005 Page 2 of 5 reclamation plan. Instead, the applicant proposes to leave the ultimate mine slopes in place by only mining up to the point at which the ultimate pit boundary is reached. This will require that the operator continually stake the ultimate mine limits, as they will move inward as mining progresses vertically. Please note that in the existing pit (formerly known as the Hewes Pit), the operator has previously mined to the pit edge and backfilled with material brought in from off-site. This backfill is in progress along the southwest face of the existing mine area, and additional off-site backfill may also to be required to complete reclamation in other portions of the existing pit area. 5. Processing Plant, Asphalt Plant, and Concrete Plant: No ponds or wash water will be necessary for the operation of the processing plant or asphalt plant. A concrete plant is not expected to be needed at this site. If a concrete plant is needed at some future time, however, and a wash plant is proposed for the processing of concrete sand, then the equipment, settling ponds and wash-out basin will be located within the ultimate mining limits. A temporary lined basin will be installed within the mine limits for use as a mixer truck wash-out pond, and this process water will be evaporated and not discharged from the site. Fines from the settling ponds will be mixed with topsoil for use in reclamation, while fines from the wash-out basin will be dried and disposed of off-site. The water used for a wash plant and wash-out area will come from Smith Creek per King Mountain Gravel's water rights. If a discharge point becomes necessary, the applicant will obtain a discharge permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 6. Description of On-site Structures: The structures that may be present on site are a scalehouse, processing plant, concrete plant with or without wash plant, and asphalt plant. The scalehouse is a temporary modular building with dimensions of approximately 8 feet wide by 32 feet long. The processing plant includes a crusher, screens and approximately 10 conveyor belts ranging from 40 to 100 feet in length. The dimensions of a typical portable concrete plant are 40 feet in length and up to 50 feet high. The dimensions of a typical portable asphalt plant are 68 feet in length and 15 feet high. Portable plants are anticipated at this time; however, fixed plants may be utilized. On-site Fuel Tanks: There will be no fuel tanks located onsite. If the applicant decides to place a fuel tank onsite in the future, a Technical Revision will be submitted to the Division. Rule 6.4.5 Exhibit E -Reclamation Plan 8. Reclaimed Slopes: The applicant commits to reclaimed slopes no steeper than 3H:1 V with other less steep slopes varying throughout the pit. Please see revised Exhibit F: Reclamation Plan Map. 9. Reclamation Plan for 3:1 Slopes: The reclamation plan has been revised to include benches approximately every 30-40 feet in depth to provide some additional erosion control. Also note that as mining progresses deeper, much of the upper slopes can and will be concurrently reclaimed and reseeded to prevent extended bare slopes. Once a bench is reached, the applicant can begin reclamation on the upper slope. 10. Soil Information: Please see the attached revised Exhibit C-2: Natural Features and revised Exhibit I -Soils Information with a description of Soil Type 161. Note that the soil depth is 0-4 inches. 11. Topsoil Replacement for Existing Gravel Pit Areas: The east pit is the former Hewes Pit, now operated by King Mountain Gravel. The topsoil for this gravel pit is stockpiled as screening