2012-06-05_PERMIT FILE - M2012027 (4)

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may be established by the board to maintain the operation in a nonproducing state. More detail descriptions of the mining activity follow. (a) Mining Method: Since this project only involves removal of excess topsoil, only minimal excavation and loading activities are anticipated. Topsoil within each mining phase may be pushed into low windrows using a small bulldozer. A front -end loader will be used to load tandem and semi - tractor trailer trucks. Depending upon the presence of larger debris, such as vegetation and sparse rocks, the topsoil may be passed over a small portable grizzly screen prior to loading. At some time in the future, a weighing scale may be installed on the property near the entrance to the property. (b) Earthmoving: See above. (c) Water Diversions and Impoundments: No water diversions, impoundments, or water uses beyond that which are required for continued agriculture will be utilized on the property during topsoil removal. 6 (d) Size of Mining Phase: Approximately 9 acres will be worked at any given time. The phasing of topsoil removal is presented on the Survey Plat which shows that wedge - shaped parcels will be worked beginning in the southwest corner of the property and progress counterclockwise until the topsoil reserves have been exhausted. (e) Mining Activity Timetable: (i) Duration and Phase Timing: The overall mining operations are anticipated to last for 20 years. There are 16 phases of approximately 9 acres each that will be mined over that 20 year project duration. Each phase may be of different duration, depending upon market demand and other factors. The scope of mining activities for each stage is uniform. (ii) & (iii) Phase Location and Sequence: The Survey Plat shows the accurate size and location of the mining phases. Mining will begin in the southwest "wedge" and proceed in a counterclockwise fashion in subsequent phases. (f) Material Resource and Underlying Strata: (i) The deposit to be mined is excess topsoil. The upper 5 vertical feet of topsoil will be removed leaving the underlying 2 to 3 feet of topsoil for continued agricultural production. No overburden is present other than the currently vegetated layer which will be stripped, stockpiled, and recycled on -site in future agricultural production. (ii) The underlying stratum consists of unconsolidated alluvial sand and gravel deposits to at least 80 feet below land surface based on the Well Construction and Test report for the livestock well (Permit #282096) on the property. These deposits will not be extracted. (g) Primary and Secondary Commodities to be Mined: The only commodity to be produced from the property is topsoil. Its intended use is for local and regional landscaping and reclamation applications.