2012-02-24_REVISION - M1999120 (7)

Home Browse Search

RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT E (CONT) applicable laws. The storage tanks will be surrounded by a berm or secondary containment such as storing the tank in a larger metal container adequate to retain any fluid should a tank rup- ture. In addition, there is adequate absorbent materials on site to contain any spills that would occur. The operator does not expect prevailing hydrologic condi- tions to be disturbed. L.G. Everist, Inc. will comply with applicable Colorado water laws and regulations (as the operator understands them) governing injury to existing water rights in order to minimize any disturbance, which might occur to the prevailing hydrologic balance of the affected land and surround- ing areas and to the quality of water in surface and ground -water systems both during and after the mining operation and during reclamation. In addition, the operator expects to comply with applicable Federal and Colorado water quality laws and regula- tions. Any water used in the operation of the processing plants and gravel pit will come from water owned by L.G. Everist, Inc. or purchased from an outside agency suitable for that use. EXHIBITG contains specific information concerning impacts and uses of water at this mining operation. This is not a dredge facility, so there are no temporary siltation structures involved in this operation and no mining will be done within the confines of the river. If a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit is required for mining in waters of the U.S., it will be obtained prior to disturbing those areas. Settling ponds will be constructed on the site to collect and recycle water from the washing operation. There will be no earthen dams on the mined area. The mining and reclamation plans consider existing wildlife use of the site and final reclamation will enhance the area for continued wildlife use. However, creation and management of wildlife habitat is not a specific part of the reclamation plan. Topsoil in the area is good quality and deep enough to salvage what is needed for reclamation. When topsoil is removed to reach the mineral deposit, it will be segregated and stock- piled. If the topsoil piles remain undisturbed for more than 180 days, 2.0 #PLS of Western Wheatgrass, per 100 sq -ft will be planted on the piles or other means will be employed to preserve the topsoil from wind and water erosion. This will keep it free of contaminants so that it remains useful for sustaining vegeta- tion when reclamation begins. The stockpiles will be located in areas where disturbances by ongoing mining operations will be at a minimum, i.e. along setbacks on the pit perimeter. The topsoil will be handled as little as possible until it is replaced onto disturbed areas for reclamation. We will take measures necessary to insure the stability of the replaced topsoil on graded slopes and ensuring that it is spread as evenly as possible. Fertilizer and other soil amendments will be used, only if needed, in accor- dance with NRCS recommendations. Reclamation will begin once enough area has been opened so that any reclamation completed will not be disturbed as mining 13