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<br /> <br />2.3.7 Phases VI, VII, and VIII <br />Mining operations conducted under Phases VI, VII, and VIII will remove approximately 284,000, <br />494,000, and 654,000 tons of gravel, respectively (Table 1). Final mitigation Phase G will be <br />performed in the first half of the Phase VI Mining period. <br />2.3.8 Phase DC and Final Reclamation <br />The Processing site will be the final area mined under Phase IX (Table 1). Gravel mined from this <br />sector totals approximately 325,000 tons. Reclamation will be completed near the end of2012 <br />after gravel is processed and removed from site (Appendix B, RP-1). Site perimeter will be <br />sloped at a horizontal to vertical ratio of 3:1 (Appendix B, DS-2) for erosion control. Final <br />mitigation efforts involve tying together contiguous reclaimed phase sectors into one functional <br />unit, construction of a Texas Crossing and outlets, and additional ve¢etation plantings where <br />needed. <br />The Texas Crossing is designed to channel water from the Colorado River during high water <br />events for backwater fishery enhancement. The pit will be connected to river using inlet and <br />outlet structures (Appendix B, DS-2) set at elevations 2 feet below ordinary high water stage of <br />river. Final structure elevations will be based on several years of observing ordinary high water <br />events (i.e., bankfull Flow) of river (bankfull flow elevations are based on existing topography, <br />aerial photography, and USGS mapping). The inlet and outlet structures will be reinforced with <br />riprap overlying Mirafi ]40N geotextile fabric to withstand erosive action of river. <br />To date, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (LJSFWS) has not taken action under the Endangered <br />Species Act in response to gravel pit projects along the Colorado River. A reasonable and <br />prudent alternative (RP A) has been discussed via informal consultation with the USF~VS. <br />Through these meetings, the conceptual alternative to avoid adverse modification to critical fish <br />habitat is to connect pit with the river using the Texas Crossing and outlet design. <br />2.4 Jurisdictional Areas DirectlyAtTected <br />Site mining and access will directly impact approximately 10 acres ofjurisdictional area. Largest <br />acreage is comprised of wetlands occurring in mining areas delineated in Summer of 1998 <br />(Appendix B, MP-1 and MP-2) using COE approved methods. Impacts on jurisdictional areas <br />include fill for access road construction and wetland excavation to mine underlying sand and <br />gravel resources. Total fill used in access road crossings total approximately 42 cubic yards. <br />2- 5 <br />