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<br />Please note that the bond amount for only Phase 1 will be estimated at this time. It will be the total amount to be <br />posted during this initial phase, until such time that reclamation has occurred in Phase I or that operations aze to <br />begin in Phase II. However, vve must still require that you provide all pertinent details for Phase II reclamation at <br />this time, since it is part of this conversion application. <br />Regarding Phase 11, your planned extraction is to begin at the top of the hill, and work outward from the center of <br />each stage to the final perimeters. It is understood that highwall slopes will not exceed final maximum gradient at <br />any time during mining. Extraction will proceed such that no backfilling or slope reduction will be needed. Floor <br />reclamation will be needed, according to the plan, but may involve separate areas of floor depending on where <br />operations might be suspended. <br />Your Phase II operation will be phased to proceed incrementally down the hill. You did not submit a series of <br />phased mining maps, though it would have been helpful to do so. Therefore, when I begin Phase II bond <br />calculations, 1 will have to estimate the amount and t}Pes of disturbance for several interim points in time. Earlier <br />stages of the Phase 11 operation will include all of Phase I disturbances, plus the roadway up to the hilltop stage, and <br />the disturbances in the hilltop stage. For bonding purposes, we must calculate a bond to represent the total <br />disturbance which may exist at any one point in time, because a default might occur before final reclaimed surfaces <br />are created. My cost estimate will include dressing slopes, benches, floors, etc., as though they were in a temporary <br />or unfinished condition. (I will discuss this below, under Exhibit L.) <br />Regarding Phase II reclamation, please clarify if the four-inch topsoil replacement depth, and/or use of tines or <br />sands, is to remain as the reclamation specification for the topsoil replacement of the pit floor portions. <br />Exhibit F -Reclamation Mao <br />The Phase I map included with your recent submittal is not sufficient for purposes of this exhibit. It shows little <br />more than the boundary of the additional two acres. Please review Rule 6.4.6 for requirements of this exhibit. As <br />the map exists, it only shows present topography. <br />Previously submitted reclamation maps, and the recently submitted map (presumably drafted by the geotechnical <br />engineer) are adequate to depict the Phase II reclamation. <br />Exhibit H -Wildlife Information <br />The CDOW statement provided complies with our requirements, and reflects that no significant impact is expected <br />to the expansion of the pit. No further material is needed. <br />Exhibit L -Reclamation Costs <br />As mentioned above, Phase I and Phase Il will be calculated separately, since they involve two different mining <br />methods, affected areas and reclamation plans. <br />The reclamation costs must be based on the existing condition of the site, the details of the proposed mining plan, <br />and the final reclamation. The site now contains a floor and highwall which are not reclaimed, and some amount of <br />debris and structural removal to perform. Current outstanding reclamation plus the additional amount for further <br />disturbance to Phase 1 will be the basis for the bond estimate. Slopes are to be a maximum of 2:1, floors must be <br />graded to provide drainage control and eliminate piled material, all debris and structures must be removed, floors <br />and roads ripped, all disturbed areas are to receive topsoil (possibly including non-soil growth medium), and <br />revege[ation on all areas. Blasting will be needed for some of the highwall reduction, until such time that all Phase <br />L slopes are 2:1 or less, or that Phase II has been approved. I will try to utilize your choices of equipment wherever <br />possible. As mentioned above, one powerpole will need to be reset. <br />Exhibit N -Source of Leeal Right to Enter <br />The SUP authorizes afive-year time period for this operation, after which the SUP must be renewed or reclamation <br />commenced. DMG considers the authorization which is given under the SUP as similar to a term right-ofentry <br />