1984-04-28_REPORT - M1977378 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1• The moderate disturbance category is defined as land in which topsoils have been removed or displaced, and subsoil dis- turbed to some extent (i .e . , ; compaction, excavation) . These sites are capable of supporting plant communities upon complet- ing moderate reclamation efforts (steps II-IV of the Reclamation Plan) , and consist of borrow and construction areas which include the mine supply yard, mill supply yard, tailings pond excavation and access roads totalling 34.4 acres at present. The minor dusturbance category is defined as land in which native topsoils remain but have been disturbed to the extent indigenous floral communities have been suppressed or inhibited. Edaphic factors on these sites are such that native vegetation is capable of invasion and propagation once the disturbance is removed, requiring minimal reclamation efforts (phases II-IV of the Reclamation Plan) . These lands are comprised primarily of active and inactive borrow sites , or temporary storage sites for mine and mill equipment and currently total 6. 9 acres. Reclamation plans developed for affected acreages at the Sil - verton site by Standard Metals Corporation in compliance with Colorado mining permit application requirements involve a four phase process summarized in Appendix A. Since implementation of the plan in 1978, reclamation procedures have been initiated on a total of 67.3 A. The amount of acreage in each phase of the reclamation plan prior to 1983 is presented below. The following report summarizes the status of reclamation efforts effected in 1983. Affected Acreage - No new or additional acreage within or outside permit boundaries was affected during 1983 (see maps la ,2a) . The major disturbance category was increased at the American Tunnel Portal site by 1 .0 acres due to expansion of the mine waste dump. Also, tailings deposition on active Tail Pond No. 4 increased the major disturbance category by 1 .0 acre. These disturbances are not new disturbances but transfer of affected acreage within present disturbance classifications. Reclaimed Acreage - Climatological conditions inherent to the Silverton area, elevation 9,500 feet, result in short growing seasons , and limited periods in which the ground is free from frost. Conse- quently, the amount of time available for implementing reclamation procedures such as seeding and stabilization is limited during the year, which ultimately reduces the acreage on which reclamation acti- vities can be effectively implemented in any one year. Affected acreages in the various phases of reclamation in 1983 are presented below (see Map 2a,2b) . Reclamation phases existant in 1982 are presented for comparison. 1982 1983 I - Stabilization 42.7A 42.7A II - Pioneer 19.6A 19.6A III - Successional 4.OA 5.OA TOTAL 66.3A 64.3A