2004-05-05_REVISION - M1984026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The questions about the appazently large backfills on the south edges of both existing pits are again asked under this exhibit. You may answer those questions here or under Exhibit C if you wish. Also, please address what methods will be used to adequately compact this volume of fill. At what point in the expansion of the pit will recharge water be allowed to enter the pit? Will it be only after it is fully excavated, or seasonally sometime before it is fully excavated? If water is diverted into the pit, will there be stockpiles of any kind on the floor? It almost goes without saying that whenever the pit is flooded, there will be no hydrocarbons, equipment, contaminants, or other deleterious items in the pit. There is no mention of "wet mining" in the plan, so it is assumed that no dredging or dewatering is to occur. Please clarify if this interpretation is incorrect. The plan states that disturbed acreage will be limited. It appears that approval has not yet been granted for the pit to become a recharge pond. Until such time, the disturbed area of the pit must include the lower slopes and floor, since the required reclamation on those azeas will be as rangeland. Please clarify that this is understood, and how the overall disturbance will be limited and remain under the stated maximum acreage. Exhibit E -Reclamation Plan (Rule 6.4.5) The reclamation of the pit floor, prior to the time of granting approval for the pit to become a pond, will be as rangeland. Therefore, it is critical that the operator salvage and protect all topsoil resources for use in reclamation. After the approval for the pit to become a pond (by seasonal canal diversion, not by exposing groundwater) topsoil will still be needed for the reclamation of the upper slopes and perimeters of the site, and the conscientious salvage of topsoil should still be carried out. Please state what the topsoil replacement depth is to be. (A reference to the replacement depth is contained in Exhibit J, though it is not clear if that is what the operator is committing to.) Exhibit G -Water Information (Rule 6.4.7) A domestic well was identified in the Warranty Deed, but not shown on the maps in the application. Please describe its location, and depth if known. A half interest in an imgation well was also identified in the Deed, which is assumed to be the well shown on the south edge of the existing permitted area. Please clarify if this is correct, or if not, provide the correct information. The State Engineer's Office responded to the notice of this application, and defined several types of water loss that are expected to occur. The response stated that a grave] pit well permit must be obtained, or water supply plan or augmentation plan must be approved. Please clarify which of the necessary licenses, permits, approvals or rights have been obtained or are being sought. Exhibit J - Veeetation Infom~ation (Rule 6.4.10) This exhibit seems to contain additional information and recommendations for reclaiming the site, possibly from the NRCS, though it is not identified as such. The recommendations include a topsoil replacement depth (4 to 6 inches), and a maximum gradient for south-facing pit slopes (6:1). Please clarify if either of those are reclamation specifications that the operator is proposing. Exhibit L -Reclamation Costs (Rule 6.4.121 If the large backfills become necessary (for the south edges of the existing pits to conform to the proposed configuration of the expanded pit) another earthwork task should be included under this exhibit. Please ensure that this is clarified under the other mining plan exhibits also.