2001-11-14_REPORT - M1986015 (5)

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Additional Page 2001 Annual Report Pueblo East Pit M-1986-015 Transit Mix of Pueblo Anniversary Date: November 12 ~'a!~ i ': ~ ~. 1 Division of illinercls and Geology Overview of Permit Year: Preparation for mining was the primary activity at the site during the last year. Dewatering was begun, the plant site constructed, and most of the existing permit area was stripped. Work continued on the amendment which should be submitted before the end of 2001. Annual Report Maps: This year only one annual repon map is submitted. This maps shows the locations and types of disturbances that occurred at the site. Affected Lands: Most of the permit area west of the large drainage ditch that divides the permit was stripped of vegetation. Soil was removed from a portion of the area and stockpiled in the northwestern comer of the site where the overburden is too thick to make mining feasible. Several ditches were excavated across the area and dewatering was initiated. Overburden was stripped from the area enclosed by the dewatering ditches. This overburden was distributed in many thin lifts due south of the batch plant location. (Note: The batch plant is a separate operation that is not included in the permit as it is technically not affected land resulting from this operation; it predates the operation.) As the plant site was developed, each lift was compaeeed to create a firm base for the processing plant. This location will also be used for the processing plant after the amendment enlarges the operation. Some additional excavations occurred west of the dewatering area to obtain some additional overburden for the plant site. The plant site is nearly level, but does have a very slight slope southward to aid in the drainage of the site into the pit area. By the end of the permit year the plant site was very nearly completed, but no equipment had been installed. In essence, the plant site is a more or less square platform elevated many feet above the surrounding land so it will stay comparatively dry. Dewatering was done by pumping the water through pipes to the east side of the drainage ditch where it was discharged into old mining areas. The water then follows a path that leads through cattail marshes and a large pond adjacent to the river. Ac the downriver side of the pond, a culvert carries water from the large pond and discharges it into the riparian forest to the east. From there it seeps into the groundwater or spreads out through the forest area and eventually returns to the river. Water quality is excellent and the forest has benefitted from the additional water. Revegetatiott: None. Expected Activity (2002): Mining will begin in early 2002. The amendment being prepared will merge this initial operation into the larger operation to follow. Bonding: This operation is covered by a corporate bond. Transit Mix of Pueblo 2001 Annual Report M-1986-015 Pueblo East Pit Page 1 of 1