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. ~. <br />r~ <br />U <br />PROGRESS REPORT ON RECLAMATION <br />Physical Appearance: Our present grading and removal operation is being <br />conducted so that the floor xill be level with the surrounding area. There <br />will be a slight crown left in the middle of the property running North and <br />South so as not to interfere with the natural drainage pattern. An excavated <br />area presently exists on the East side of the quarry floor to hold dust <br />suppression water and prevent any floor runoff. <br />Reclamation continues as per the original MLRD approval, with the exception <br />of a large outcropping of shale running North and South along the West edge <br />of the existing dike. The shale was not anticipated when mining first began <br />and has subsequently been "mined around" and left generally untouched. As a <br />result, there exists a "face" that will ultimately be aesthetically graded <br />and reclaimed when mining no longer interferes. It is also possible that <br />future opportunities will generate a market and a use for this shale, and it <br />will be removed, leaving a topography as originally intended. <br />Topsoil: Topsoil and overburden material is presently stockpiled as depicted <br />on the map and is being used in the restoration process. As we progress <br />North, the topsoil and overburden is being stripped and stored in the East <br />screening berm for future reclamation. We continue to grade and restore the <br />surface of the initial removal area. The seed mixture being used is in <br />accordance with the previously determined recommendation of THIi associates <br />• and Dave Boyle, County Extension Agent, at the time. The results we feel are <br />very successful, as well as similar to the original test plant areas. <br />Final Benches: The final benches and the restoration thereof are, of course, <br />some years away yet. <br />Fugitive Dust: We feel we are presently using sufficient caster, along with <br />proper spray bar equipment in efforts to comply with dust emission standards. <br />As previously indicated, our water line will insure sufficient, uninterrupted <br />water flow to the crushing spray bar system. <br />Roads: .all back slopes have been seeded and the establishment is successful. <br />The road-top surfaces have been watered or paved to prevent dust. A new <br />entrance road to the site was built under a Colorado Department of <br />Transportation/Highway 93 resurfacing project. This newly constructed 700 <br />feet was seeded and mulched under the State contract. The grade (steepness! <br />of our entrance road was improved in 1990. The West end of the roadway was <br />reconstructed. The last hill closest to the operation xas "flattened" in an <br />effort to lessen the severity of the road grade. The results are good. <br />Truck traffic has been made safer and is moving with greater ease. <br />East Berm: This berm has been enlarged and continues to show evidences of <br />natural vegetation which has established itself. The seed is progressing <br />satisfactorily as well. This berm not only serves aesthetic functions, but <br />prevents potential surface water from draining in an uncontrolled manner. As <br />indicated above in the topsoil section, this East berm is to be extended <br />Northerly. This effort will continue our aesthetic function, as well as <br />control drainage and provide topsoil and overburden storage. <br />