2010-03-17_REVISION - M2000156 (6)

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6.4.5 Exhibit E - Reclamation Plan Description Reclamation will include the construction of two clay lined ponds with areas of 55 acres and 2 acres (see Exhibit F). Phase 2 Cell 1 will be backfilled as well as a strip of land along the western boundary Phase 2 Cell 5, and small portions of along the south boundaries of Phase 1 Cell 2 and Phase 2 Cell 4. Three pre- existing ponds will also remain in the southwest corner of the permit area. Reclamation will occur concurrently with mining wherever possible. In general, stockpiling of overburden will only occur upon an initial excavation of the first mining cell of each phase. Subsequent overburden removal from areas adjacent to initial excavations shall include direct replacement to mining cells slated for backfill. Construction of the clay liner for the purpose of sealing off the pits from groundwater will be achieved following mining by stripping moisture conditioned shale from the pit floor and placing / compacting it around the perimeter of the pits. Surroundina Land Use Primary land uses near the vicinity of the mine include farming, transportation, rural residential, and recreational. A county road and railroad are located north of the proposed mine, and two parcels of land, owned by separate landowners, are located to the northeast. These parcels are used for rural residential and agricultural purposes, as well as the land directly to the west. The Big Thompson Ponds State Wildlife Area and Big Thompson River corridor are located directly to the south of the proposed mine, and the Big Thompson River corridor continues along the eastern project boundary. The proposed land use of general agricultural is considered to be consistent with surrounding land uses. Reclamation Sequence Reclamation will occur concurrently with mining and begin following completion of mining in Phase 1 Cell 1. Reclamation is expected to generally proceed in the following sequence: 1) Following mining of Phase 1 Cell 1 begin backfilling Cell 1 with overburden from Phase 1 Cell 2. 2) Following Mining of Phase I Cell 2, begin backfilling Phase I Cell 2 with overburden from Phase 11 Cell 1 3) Following mining of Phase 2 Cell 1 begin backfilling Phase 2 Cell 1 from Phase 2 Cell 2 4) Following Mining of Phase 2 Cell 3, resume backfilling Phase 2 Cell 1 from Phase 2 Cell 4. 5) Following Mining of Phase 2 Cell 4, begin backfilling Phase 2 Cell 5 north and west portions with overburden from Phase 2 Cell 5 6) Following mining of Phase 2 Cell 5, begin backfilling Phase 2 Cell 3 with overburden from Phase 2 Cell 3.