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<br />Landscape Plan/ drawings of pre-existing and post vegetation? A topographic <br />simulation drawing (Exhibit B-4) showing pre-existing little or no vegetation was <br />submitted. The drawing also simulates the effect of reclaimed re-vegetated slopes with <br />that are similaz to those in the current operation. A landscape plan for this project is <br />essentially the mine reclamation plan required by state law and administered by DMG. <br />The Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act (CMLRA) designates DMG as the <br />regulatory authority in mine reclamation standards. The reclamation plan (including the <br />re-vegetation process) submitted for this project has been reviewed and approved by <br />DMG and meets CMLRA standards. Since this project is located on federal land, BLM <br />maintains input on the reclamation plan and operates with DMG under a Memorandum of <br />Understanding (MOU). BLM has reviewed and approved the mine reclamation plan for <br />the project. <br />Visual analysis? As mentioned previously, a CD digital terrain model depicting <br />this staged mining activity in animated form is on file with the Eagle County Planning <br />Department. Environmental Assessment CO-140-2001-064-EA includes visual <br />simulations that depict pre-mining, operational and post (reclaimed) stages from different <br />viewpoints within the Town of Gypsum. BLM personnel selected the viewpoints or Key <br />Observation Points (KOPS) and current photos were taken from those sites. The mine <br />plan maps were then incorporated into the photos to depict visual impact. As noted above <br />the operational activity of this project meets VRM Class III and Class IV objectives. <br />Dust analysis? A discussion of current dust control and mitigation methods <br />currently in effect is included in the Minimization of Environmental Imnacts section of <br />this submittal. These methods will continue with the amended project. A key dust <br />mitigation factor in the amended project will be the mine plan itself. The plan utilizes <br />sequential back filling and concurrent reclamation to maintain operations in a compact <br />footprint. The future ore deposit is also further to the north and more sheltered than the <br />current operation so the physical location of operations will also provide a mitigating <br />factor. Schematic showing dust factors and mitigation action for both the mine and plant <br />is attached as Table 2. The schematics break down current factors and mitigation actions <br />and also show the additional mitigation available with the future mine plan. <br />Environmental Assessment CO-140-2001-064EA provides information that PM10 <br />background levels in the project area are seen to be well below National Ambient Air <br />Quality standards. The assessment also provides information showing dust emissions <br />from the current and future ore production level of 600,000 tons per yeaz to be well <br />below the company's Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) permit limitations. <br />Dust control measures during construction of the new access road? Dust <br />control associated with the access road will be incorporated into the daily routine of <br />operations. The intersection of the new road with the existing haul road lends itself to a <br />logistical location for water spray application. The water truck will pass this intersection <br />17 <br />