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.~ ~ ~- <br /> <br />^,rni e <br />~ 1 J rs <br />P is n,,ra o ian„n <br />Governor <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 999 s <br />D 61pnIP Pnsc On. E.np11rcG pnnci nr <br />MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION <br />DAVID C. SHEITON, Director <br />~~ <br />June 15, 1983 <br />Ms•. Kathleen Gordon <br />Colorado Westmoreland Inc: <br />P.U. Box E <br />Paonia, Colorado 81428 <br />Re: Topsoil Salvage Plan for Orchard Valley's Waste Rock Pile <br />(Permit C-038-81) <br />Dear Ms. Gordon: <br />The Division has completed its review of the topsoil salvage plan and <br />your request to use development rock as a cover material for the existing <br />waste rock pile. <br />Concerning your request to use development rock as a cover material, it <br />is the Division's opinion that the rock material is not suitable as a <br />plant growth medium. The analysis CWI provided shows a pH of 9.5 which <br />is above suspect levels and a S.A.R. of 25 which is considered toxic. <br />The Division therefore, cannot approve of your request. <br />The topsoil salvaye plan submitted by Orchard Valley proposes to salvage <br />only 8-9 inches of topsoil. However, the analysis shows that up to 24 <br />inches could be salvaged (see attached memo from Sandy Emrich). Orchard <br />Valley will need to commit to salvaging as much topsoil as is available <br />or present satisfactory evidence that no additional material is available. <br />The topsoil plan indicates that there is a lack of organic matter in the <br />9"-24". range. However, the saturation percent (an indicator of water <br />holding capacity) is fairly high for this interval. This would indicate <br />that the material is suitable as a plant growth medium. Organic matter <br />percent by itself is not an ideal criteria for soil suitability. <br />The topsoil plan should briefly describe the sequence and timing of <br />topsoil removal which includes, maximum acreage to be stripped at any one <br />time, direction of stripping activities, and time of year salvaging will <br />take place. Indicate the method (type of equipment) to be used to strip, <br />stockpile, and redistribute topsoil and any methods employed to minimize <br />undue compaction or contamination. An indication of whether any of the <br />topsoil will be live-handled as opposed to stockpiling would also be <br />appropriate. <br />423 Centennial Building. 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Tel. (303) 866-3567 <br />a <br />