2005-01-18_REVISION - M1978314 (2)

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Erica Crosby Division of Minerals and Geology January 14, 2005 Page 3 of 5 berms along County Road 3. The west area depicted as a gravel pit is a site previously operated and reclaimed by Routt County. We erroneously showed the old County pit as "Existing Mine Limits." It was mined and reclaimed by the County previously and no further disturbance or reclamation is planned by King Mountain Gravel, LLC. Regarding topsoil depth, it has previously been noted that topsoil at this site is typically about 4 inches in depth. The applicant would like to commit to a 4" topsoil replacement depth in both the existing and proposed mining areas depth due to the minimal topsoil found onsite. 12. Mining and Reclamation Plan for Small County Pit: As stated above, the small pit west of County Road 3 is not active. This site was previously operated by Routt County and has since been reclaimed. No further mining or reclamation activities will be performed in this area by the applicant. 13. Surface Water from Runoff and Rainfall Accumulation: The operators have not observed any significant accumulations of water in the existing pit during 20+ years of operations, and water is not being discharged from the site. The water that drains into the pit is absorbed into the ground usually within 24 hours, before it can be evaporated. Therefore, the applicant is exempt from obtaining a discharge permit and a water replacement plan is not needed. If the applicant observes standing water in excess of 72 hours at some time in the future, they will apply for and obtain a discharge permit. 14. Surface Water Management Plan Upon Reclamation of Site: As stated above, the operator has not observed any ponding of water in the pit. Any water that collects in the pit seeps into the underlying sand and gravel very quickly. In addition, the shallowest point of the reclaimed site is approximately 10 feet below natural grade (in Phase 3, at which point over 100 acres will have already been mined.) Since much of the surrounding site naturally drains away from the mine edges, there will not be enough surface water inflow to create a temporary pond large or deep enough to cause off-site damage. Rule 6.4.7 Exhibit G -Water Information 15. Seasonal High Groundwater Elevation: Based on experience from current operations in the Hewes Pit, groundwater has not been encountered to mining depths of 8550 feet. In addition, preliminary groundwater monitoring data shows groundwater well below the existing pit floor at 8550'. The applicant commits to provide 12 months of baseline data, via a Technical Revision, prior to mining below the existing pit floor at 8550 feet elevation. If seasonal high groundwater levels are determined to be well below 8550 feet, the operator intends to mine deeper, and will stay at least 5 feet above the seasonal high water level. 16. Long Term Groundwater Monitoring Program: The applicant commits to monitor groundwater levels monthly for three years from each of the 5 monitor wells, and then quarterly thereafter for the life of the mine, with the exception of Well #3 which will be monitored until mining activities require its closure and demolition. The applicant also commits to submitting all monitoring data in the Annual Reclamation Report. Please note that Exhibit C-3 has been revised to show actual location and surface elevation of all wells. 17. Water Usage at This Operation: There will be no use of water for the processing plant or asphalt plant. Water will be needed for the concrete plant and associated wash plant. The applicant will obtain this water from Smith Creek per water rights owned by King Mountain Gravel. 18. Water Impacts to Nearby Natural Springs: The elevations of four of the springs located on site are well below the proposed mining depth (8550') so no impacts to these four natural