Laserfiche WebLink
The plan states that pit slopes will be maintained at 3:1 during mining. Please be reminded that the near vertical <br />highwall recently observed on the north side of phase 3 would not be in compliance with the amended plan. If the plan <br />commits to 3:1 slopes, it will be a permit condition and the bond will be calculated thus, but you must ensure that they <br />do not exceed that gradient. Please comment. <br />Please state what depth(s) of topsoil and overburden will be stripped and saved for reclamation. It is recommended <br />that you commit to a range of depths, to allow for any variability on the site. Also, please describe the methods of <br />topsoil protection to be employed while it is stockpiled. <br />Though the plan mentions stripping and replacement of topsoil and overburden, there is no discussion concerning the <br />handling or placement of fines, whose volume may become fairly significant when considering the amount of acres <br />and depth being mined. If backfilling of fines or other material is to be part of the plan, please describe it. <br />Item (D) states that the area worked at any one time will be limited to 15 acres. Please explain if this figure refers only <br />to the acreage of the active pit, since there will presumably be an active staging area at all times (which will include <br />processing equipment and will remain unreclaimed until the end of the operation) as well as portions of the pits that are <br />in some incomplete stage of final reclamation. <br />Under the assumption that mining disturbance will proceed to new areas before the previously disturbed areas are fully <br />reclaimed and that the staging area will not be reclaimed until all mining ceases, it follows that there will continually <br />be some acreage that is unreclaimed as mining progresses, such as roadways, stockpiles and advancing highwalls, for <br />example. This office estimates that these unreclaimed or partially reclaimed areas could amount to as much as ten <br />acres at any one time. Unless a different figure from you is provided, we will use that acreage estimate in the bond <br />calculation. <br />Exhibit E - Reclamation Plan (Rule 6.4.5) <br />There are several possibly conflicting statements concerning the replacement of topsoil and overburden made <br />throughout this exhibit. Please clarify (a) whether the overburden and topsoil layer will be a mixture of the materials, <br />(b) whether the total depth of replaced materials will be three inches or six inches, and (c) whether the layer(s) to be <br />replaced on the different areas (pit slopes vs. pit floor vs. unexcavated areas) will be different, e.g., only of topsoil, or <br />of both materials, for example. <br />The species comprising the seed mix are satisfactory. But please ensure that the seed application rates are expressed in <br />terms of pounds of pure live seed per acre, or "lbs PLS/AC." The method of seed application should also be specified, <br />since it affects the rate of seed applied. <br />Note: There is no noxious weed control plan for this permitted area yet. Though it is not a requirement at this time, as <br />soon as any noxious weeds are noted on the site, this office will require that an adequate weed control plan be prepared <br />and added to the permit (possibly as an abatement action for an inspection "problem"). While this current amendment <br />application is still in review, such a plan may be added to the amendment easily and at no cost; after the amendment is <br />approved, adding the plan will require a technical revision (which carries a $216 fee). It is suggested that the county or <br />district weed control office be contacted to assist with the preparation of the plan. This notation is made only for your <br />information. <br />Exhibit F - Reclamation Map (Rule 6.4.6) <br />Thank you for providing the group of maps showing the sequence of reclamation in the phases; it is a good way to <br />depict the phased reclamation. <br />Besides the pits resulting from excavation of materials, the maps should show only those features that will remain after <br />reclamation is complete. The maps show the well, sheep barn, fences, overhead powerline, irrigation ditch, and the <br />onsite roads. If there are any changes to this, please provide revised maps. Please ensure that all revised maps are