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<br />Mr. Steve Shuey <br />Division of Minerals & Geology <br />Durango Field Office <br />March 24, 1995 <br />Page 4 <br />Due to the topographic constraints of the site, reclamation efforts are not expected to begin until the <br />majority of the mining activities are complete. As the rate of aggregate extraction is market driven, <br />the dates for beginning and completion of the reclamation activities are difficult to anticipate. Initial <br />reclamation efforts such as grading and the placement of the topsoil layer will commence as soon as <br />the resource extraction activities have reached the top of the slope (mining is expected to progress <br />uphill, and reclamation activities will work downhill). After the grading and topsoiling activities are <br />completed, seeding of the site will begin, weather permitting, in accordance with accepted planting <br />practices. Grass seed will be hydromulched at the correct time of year for this area and elevation. If <br />needed, additional mulch will be placed on the seeded areas to protect the soil from erosion prior to <br />the establishment of the grasses: It is expected that reclamation efforts will be completed within four <br />to five years of the end of mining activities. <br />Topsoil will be replaced to a minimum depth of six inches if that much was available for salvage prior <br />to mining activities. The contractor selected to reseed/hydromulch the area will determine the best <br />soil conditioning method prior to seeding for this site. Their determination will provide the best <br />methods and should not be second guessed. <br />The applicant will commit to testing the stockpiled topsoil for levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and <br />potassium immediately prior to replacement if the stockpile has been in place longer than five years. <br />If needed, adequate fertilizer will be incorporated into the topsoil to bring it up to standardized <br />acceptable levels for this region. The local SCS office will be contacted to provide the information <br />on acceptable levels of N, P, K for this area. <br />The proposed seed mix mentioned in Exhibit E is enclosed. This mix was used on nearby areas and <br />is performing well. The applicant intends to install a visual screen of trees and shrubs along the top <br />of the mining area, adjacent to Highway 145 in the initial phases of the mining operation. These <br />plant materials plus the grasses mix will provide for sufficient reclamation of the area in the event the <br />residential land use is not realized. This area will not be reforested by human operations. <br />One legume species will be added to the seed mix used for reclamation, if this is acceptable to the <br />local SCS office. The selected legume will be inoculated prior to application. <br />The recommended .seed mix from the local office of the Soil Conservation Service is included. Also <br />included are selected grass, fortis, shrubs and trees that are best suited for this area and elevation. <br />The letter from Rick Sherman, Colorado Division of Wildlife, indicated they are concerned with <br />increased levels of sediment in the Lake Fork of the San Miguel River and areas downstream, as well <br />as the protection of the wildlife in the area through the use of the existing environmental laws. . <br />Unstable materials at the mine site are a cause for safety concerns as well as a cause for <br />environmental concerns. All slopes that are in the process of active excavation will be monitored <br />closely for unstable and/or eroding areas. <br />