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KIOWA COUNTY <br />P.O. BOX 100 <br />EADS, CO 81036 <br />GRAY GRAVEL PIT # M-1990-148 <br />RECLAMATION PLAN <br />REVISED 11/24/2008 <br />In view of the transient nature of the streambed of Adobe Creek, where the gravel pit <br />operations and any reclamation efforts would occur, it is believed that an elaborate and <br />intensive reclamation plan would not be necessary. After one heavy rainfall Adobe Creek could <br />greatly alter or completely obliterate the reclamation plan. Efforts should be as simple and low <br />cost as possible, while at the same time being of value in improving the site for wildlife and <br />livestock uses. <br />It is from that aspect that Kiowa County suggests several possible ways to proceed with a plan <br />for the site: <br />• Remove the surface sand and gravel <br />• Grade the disturbed soil to the general slope of the streambed <br />• Excavate a minimum work basin to intercept the natural stream channel at a <br />perpendicular angle <br />• Use the natural stream channel where possible for inlets and outlets on the work basins. <br />The inlet and outlet are on opposite ends of the basins and are channeled or blended <br />into the natural stream channel. Side slopes will be no less than 2:1 <br />• The working basin will be reclaimed once extraction of the sand and gravel ends. <br />• The basin will be back filled when the creek flows through the inlets and outlets. <br />• After all grading and shaping is completed all disturbed areas devoid of natural <br />vegetation will be seeded to adapt to native grasses <br />• A saline tolerant willow will be planted around the inside slope of the pit <br />The properties of the Haverson clay loam that underlies all the gravel deposits, nearly precludes <br />the need to remove material beyond the depth of the original soil surface. The Haverson soil is <br />unsuitable for sand or gravel due to excess fines. The exception would be the additional <br />removal of soil below the original surface to be used as road fills. Haverson soil is rated as good <br />for use as such. <br />The permitted area is irregular and follows a stream channel from which the material is <br />removed for use. There is no over burden, topsoil or stockpile to remove from the extraction <br />areas for later reclamation purposes. <br />Planning for the potential use of the Haverson soil material, in addition to removal of sand and <br />gravel deposits, dictates the use of a more involved but simple reclamation operation. The <br />primary concern of the plan is the flooding hazard to any activities in the streambed. The main <br />difference is the incorporation of excavated sediment basins to intercept flood flows. Such <br />basins would help diminish the erosion caused by flood flows, reduce sediment and provide <br />some protection to downstream operations. During non flood periods the basins could provide <br />open water areas for wildlife and livestock as water is available to fill them. Eventually the <br />basins would fill with sand and gravel and could be excavated for that material.