2011-11-14_REVISION - M1986015 (8)

Home Browse Search

• • • Exhibit E -- Amendment 4 Reclamation Plan The Phase 7 area has its own unique reclamation plan and is different from the Phase 1 and 2 areas. (1) This reclamation plan will address all the requirements of Rule 6.4.5. The operator allows flexibility in this plan by committing to a range of numbers rather than specific figures. (2) This section provides for and explains the type of reclamation proposed for the Phase 7 area as follows: (a) The type of reclamation proposed is for wildlife habitat as noted in the Amendment 3 permit. The reclamation is chosen to replicate the use and vegetation cover on the site now. Of the 100 acre Phase 7 area, approximately 71 acres on the north side of the Arkansas River will be affected. The method of reclamation is to backfill the mining excavation with excess fine sand, clay, and overburden. The excavation is to be completely filled to two feet above the average groundwater level. Thus an approximately eleven foot deep depression will remain as the final land configuration. The short access roads in the northeast (from Randal Lane) and northwest (from Phase 1) corners and the drainage channel on the east side will remain as permanent features in the final reclamation. (b) The proposed post- mining land use is wildlife habitat. Presently the land is an unmanaged and unused area within the Arkansas River floodplain. It is covered in a mixture of native and invasive plant species and is populated by wildlife. Adjoining land along the River is also tree covered, has no specific use, and is within the floodplain. The County Comprehensive Plan has this area designated as floodplain and residential land uses are discouraged. (c) The requirements of Section 3.1 are implemented as follows: 1. Establishing Post - Mining Use As committed to in Amendment 3, the post - mining use is for wildlife habitat. 2. Reclaiming Substituted Land The operator is not substituting previously mined land to reclaim in lieu of this land. 3. Time Limit The affected land will be reclaimed concurrently with the mining and completed within five years from the end on mining of Phase 7.