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Board of Adjustment January 7, 1976 • :; Case M75~-1 (continued) Pdge 3 The applicants feel that to do this to the extent necessary will seri- ously affect total reserves and practicality of their mining plan. Mr. Ream explained that generally speaking, the tap 2 benches are completed and that mining has progressed to a point that this requirement is im- possible; and that they were under the impression that their plan was acceptable in the form presented to the Board by testimony and exhibits at the~:$eptember hearing. There was question as to exactly what was meant by slope to soften the benches and discussion was conducted in an, attempt to clarify various opinions. Mr. Holley said that the applicants had interpreted this as having to change the actual slope of the walls which would mean go- ing back and redoing the whole thing. Mr. Quist asked if the Board was talking about the benches and not about the high wall slope. Mr. Ingram felt that they would actually have more material and explained that the Board wants the cutside corners knocked off to make more of a gradual, rounding step to eliminate the 3 distinct steps that are so visible. Mr. DeLaCastro said the Board isn't trying to change the whole design of the pit and that the completed benches can be corrected to get the desired effect. He explained that softening the effect could be done by easy methods of pushing topsoil over the edges and letting it fall to round and shorten up the benches. Mr. Bowers thought the intent had been clearly stated as wanting the slope softened to eliminate the unsightly contouring. Terracing is the only way to carry cut this type of operation, but the unnatural terrac- ing that remains has to be softened by breaking off the corners. After further discussion, Mr. Holley said they were still concerned about. the various opinions of the Board and indicated that further clarification is needed on whether the edges are to be knocked off the benches or if they are to leave them as is and push topsoil over the edges to round and fill them in a little. In either event, they need to know what extent is necessary to satisfy the Board's thinking. Mr. Flolley added that many areas of the mountains are considered beau- tifuU because they are unblemished and straight rock. tor. Bowers agreed that natural formations of this type are interesting, but it is not natural to this particular area. ORATION/TYPE, DEPTH OF MATERIAL/BENCHES, SLOPES, FACES: The resolution calls for replacing 18" of topsoil on the top 3 benches with organic fertilizer of not less than 20 ton per 1 Acre; anri that each of the other benches be covered with 14" of topsoil and organic fertilizer of not less than 20 ton per 1 acre. The applicants propose covering only the horizontal portion of the benclhes (not slopes and faces) with 12" of quarry fines (not topsoil) supplemented with organic fertilizer for growth of native grasses and shrubs. Also that they be allowed to experiment with revegetation so they can implement the most promising for the type of setting arrd en- vironment at subject location. Mr. Volley advised that less than lOZ of the total operation is fines dnd with commercial type fertilizer it will grow items that root hori- zontally. ltoms requiring a root system that goes into rock vertic.rily would not be used. Ile added that, if necessary, they twill agree to slrr'ay nlaterials on the scopes in an attempt to get something to grow, but titcir expcrt'•s opinion was ttrat nothing will' grow on tlic slopes. • (3~ (cont.trtued)