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• 1996 ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT <br />Existing Disturbance <br />During 1996, 16.68 acres of new disturbance was associated with the mining program at New <br />Horizon 2 Mine. The 1996 Seeding and Disturbance Maps, Exhibit 96.1 and 96.2, show existing <br />disturbance areas as of December 31, 1996. <br />Backtilling andand Gradine <br />During 1996, 33.45 acres were graded at New Horizon 2. Backfill grading was accomplished <br />by backfilling the empty pit with attack-shovel fleet and the~~ final grading with D-9 dozers and <br />14G grader. <br />Soil and Spoil Scarification <br />The following soil and spoil scarification techniques were used while grading the reclamation <br />area. Prior to growth media soil replacement, the final graded spoil was scarified to a depth of <br />12 to 18 inches using ripper shanks attached behind a motor grader. 'This scarifying operation <br />effectively induce compaction, reduce runoff, and improve infiltration, while improving rooting <br />depths. <br />Soil and 5ooil Monitorine Data <br />• New Horizon Mine is required by Pemvt C-81-008 to monitor replaced soil and final graded <br />spoil and submit the information to the Division. Monitoring programs include verifying soil <br />replacement thicknes and determining final graded spoil quality. Exhibit 96.4, topsoil thickness <br />and sample location map, and 96.5, sub-soil sample location map, shows the location of the <br />sample sites along with the thickness of soil replacement. <br />Spoil lily <br />The spoil sampling and analysis program approved for New Horizon Mine is described ut Tab <br />21 of Pernut C-81-008. Spoil samples were collected fmm 51 sites in the New Horizon 2 area. <br />Samples were collected from the sidewalls of four foot deep pit, excavated with a rubber tired <br />backhoe. All spoil samples were shipped to Colorado State University Soil' Testing Lab in Fort <br />Collins, Colorado for analysis. <br />"fhe location of each spoil pit is shown on Exhibit 96.5, Bacl~ill Spoil Sampling Location Map. <br />Laboratory results for the 51 spoil samples are presented in Attachment 96.A. The analytical <br />results indicate all spoil is suitable. No additional grading, special handling, or amendment <br />application was needed prior to soil replacement. <br />Soil Redistribution <br />27,524 cubic yards of Lift 2 topsoil was moved from an existing stockpile to final graded <br />backfill. the remaining volume of topsoil that was used for redistribution was live handled from <br />ahead of the active mining area to the awaiting backfill area. In one topsoil campaign, Phase <br />. VII, a total of 88,500 cubic yards was moved <br />