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19. Concern about the quality of the Ute Engineering geohaZard study included in the application. Revey Associates, Inc. conducted a second and more extensive geotechnical evaluation and their report was submitted by the applicant ion response to DMG's preliminary adequacy review and comments received from local citizens. DMG agrees with the conclusions of the Revey report indicating that the potential for this proposed mining operation to exacerbate the natural spalling of rock from the Rollins sandstone cliffs south of the mine site is essentially non-existent. DMG also agrees with the conclusions of the Revey report indicating that the potential for this proposed mining operation to exacerbate instability of underground coal mine workings resulting in damage to structures on adjacent lands is essentially non-existent. A review of the Revey report and follow-up supporting information, submitted in response to citizen comments received about that report, was conducted by DMG staff and is enclosed with this Rationale. 20. Question if prevention ofmining on the ridge would preventpossible erosion to the south slope. The application specifies that no disturbance is to take place on the south face of the ridge, except in the section where Delta County specified the ridgeline could be lowered by 50 vertical feet. All excavation will take place by pulling material down and to the north. In this scenario, neither allowing nor preventing mining on the ridge will have any significant affect on erosion of the south slope. Zl. Question if there is reasonable possibility that Carbon Irrigation Ditch could be contaminated by the mining operation. The applicant has committed to store no hazardous materials on site, but to fuel and maintenance on-site equipment on a daily basis. The application contains a commitment to obtain a Stormwater Discharge Permit and includes specifications for a sediment control system and a drainage control system designed to minimize off site transport of sediment and minimize the amount of upland drainage that contacts the affected area. These measures minimize the disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance of the affected land and surrounding area and to the quality and quantity of water in surface and groundwater systems both during and after the mining operation and during reclamation as required by Rule 3.1.6. 22. Comment that the soils and vegetation exhibits use examples from the Paonia area. Application Exhibits I and 7 provide soils and vegetation information for the actual site. This information was obtained from the Paonia Soil Survey Area publication of the Natural Resource Conservation Service. This publication includes maps and descriptions of soil and vegetation types in a large area around Paonia, hence the name of the publication. This area includes the location of this proposed mine site. 23. Comment that the reclamation plan should require the site to be reclaimed back to an old growth pinion forest with reclamation costs covering planting of mature pinyon and juniper trees at the current density, that the trees must live at [east 10 years or be replaced at operator expense, and that the owner must fake responsibility to water the trees and grasses during drought years until the forest and range is permanently established.