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p~lsE L OF IVLftvtN~' LAN CR~.Vt57J <br />f With the cleanout ofthe channel dropping the elevation below the surrounding topography a significant <br />debris flow would need to occur before the channel would move. <br />Once the channel is cleaned, developing the typical cross-section shown in Drawing MP-1, the operation <br />will then mine into the hillside creating a slightly sloped bench at the edge ofthe 50 foot buffer zone from <br />the highway. The bench will advance into the hillside from ] 0 - SO feet depending on slope and starting <br />elevation. The maximum highwall height for the operation will be approximately 30 feet with at a 1.5:1 <br />slope. The first bench should be mined out during the 2"" year of operation. Once this bench is mined out, <br />the new access road will be built to access the next level up and a second bench will be mined, advancing <br />up to 180 feet into the hillside. This bench will also have a maximum bench height of 30 feet. It is <br />expected that three benches will be developed each occurring over a year to two years of operation. The <br />operation will close once the third bench is mined out. Reclamation of side slopes on the north end lines of <br />the operation will be contemporary with mining. A buffer zone at least 20 feet wide will be left on the <br />^orth sides ofthe property in order to leave trees intact and screen the operation from surrounding <br />landowners and visitors to Ouray. On the west side ofthe property, a 50-foot buffer zone will be left intact <br />between the operation and the right-of--way of U. S. Highway 550. <br />Water Usage acrd Control: The operation will not use water during the screening process. <br />Cleaning ofthe channel is not expected to adversely affect the quality or quantity of water in Bridalveil <br />creek. As stated previously, the lower reach of Bridalveil creek usually flows only during high runoff <br />conditions (snowmelt and/or intense precipitation events). When this occurs the flow in the creek is usually <br />a debris flow and carries rock and soil with it. In smaller flow events, the lower reach of the creek usually <br />shows little surface water therefore it is expected that the detention time allowed by the settling basin will <br />allow suspended particles to settle out before discharge into the Highway ROW. It should be stated that <br />flows from Bridalveil creek discharge into the barrow ditch along U.S. Highway 550. The water thence <br />runs approximately 200 feet along the highway until exiting under the highway via a 48-inch culvert. <br />During intense storm events, the barrow ditch usually fills with rock rapidly and eventually encroaches <br />onto the paved potion ofthe roadway unless removed quickly by CDOT personnel. <br />Access Roads: An existing access road to the operation is already in place from previous owners <br />ofthe property. This road shown on Map MP-1, Mine Plan in Exhibit E will be used during the first year <br />of operation and is of suitable width for the small operation envisioned. An alternative access road will be <br />constructed during the third year of operation. This road will access the operation from the south end ofthe <br />property with a proposed 25-foot width and at less than an 8°/" grade. Other roads interior to the mining <br />operation will be constructed as needed to access the highest bench during mining. <br />Facilities: The operation as proposed will consist ofthe following facilities: <br />l . Portable Screener which will be in close proximity to the mining face <br />2. Staging Area for Equipment <br />3. Stockpile areas for screened products <br />No other facilities are anticipated at this time for the operation. <br />Acidic or Toxic materials: Acidic or Toxic materials in large quantities are not expected during <br />mining operations. Since the upper reaches of Bridalveil Creek transit a known sulfide deposit, it is <br />expelled that some small portions ofthe gavel deposit will contain 'von pyrite or other sulfide minerals. <br />However, such small amounts should not create acidic drainage or other issues more common with metal <br />mining. Should significant quantities of acid producing sulfides be encountered the Operator will contain <br />such materials and stockpile them away from the newly constructed channel. <br />Received <br />MAR ] 3 2Q02 <br />Durartgo Feld Of1iCe <br />Qivision of Minerals 8 Geology <br />