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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 12/15/2008 <br />In view of the transient nature of the streambed of Adobe Creek, where the gravel pit operations and <br />any reclamation efforts would occur, it is believed that an elaborate and intensive reclamation plan <br />would not be necessary. After one heavy rainfall Adobe Creek could greatly alter or completely <br />obliterate the reclamation plan. Efforts should be as simple and low cost as possible, while at the same <br />time being of value in improving the site for wildlife and livestock uses. <br />It is from that aspect that Kiowa County suggests several possible ways to proceed with a plan for the <br />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 perpendicular angle <br />• Use the natural stream channel where possible for inlets and outlets on the work basins. The <br />inlet and outlet are on opposite ends of the basins and are channeled or blended into the natural <br />stream channel. The gradient of all reclaimed side slopes will be no less than 2:1 which is <br />sufficient for the post mine extraction topography. <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 will be devoid of natural <br />vegetation. The outside creek banks will be seeded to adapt to native grasses. <br />• Saline tolerant Coyote Willows and Peachleaf Willows will be planted five (5) per acre around the <br />inside slope of the pit. The Willows will be purchased from the Colorado Forest Service. <br />The properties of the Haverson clay loam that underlies all the gravel deposits, nearly precludes the <br />need to remove material beyond the depth of the original soil surface. The Haverson soil is unsuitable <br />for sand or gravel due to excess fines. The exception would be the additional removal of soil below the <br />original surface to be used as road fills. Haverson soil is rated as good for use as such. <br />The permitted area is irregular and follows a stream channel from which the material is removed for <br />use. There is no over burden, topsoil or stockpile to remove from the extraction areas for later <br />reclamation purposes. <br />Planning for the potential use of the Haverson soil material, in addition to removal of sand and gravel <br />deposits, dictates the use of a more involved but simple reclamation operation. The primary concern of <br />the plan is the flooding hazard to any activities in the streambed. The main difference is the <br />incorporation of excavated sediment basins to intercept flood flows. Such basins would help diminish <br />the erosion caused by flood flows, reduce sediment and provide some protection to downstream <br />operations. During non flood periods the basins could provide open water areas for wildlife and <br />livestock as water is available to fill them. Eventually the basins would fill with sand and gravel and <br />could be excavated for that material.