2004-11-23_REVISION - M1999120 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ynlbed 9fates Deperm~en! of Agrlcukure FRCS R'~ NaWral Resources Conservation Service " - Brighton Service Center 57 W. Bromley Lane Brighton, Colorado 80601-3025 303659-7004 - Once 303-659-1768 -Fax www.co.usda.gov November 18, 2004 ~];~G+~'~~® State of Colorado NOV 13 2ppy Division of Minerals and Geology Division of Mi 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 nerals and Ceolo gy Denver, CO 80203 Atm: Kate A. Pickford, Environmental Protection Specialist Subject: L.G. Everist, Inc., Fort Lupton Sand and Gravel Mine, Permit No. M-1999-120, Revision No. AM-1 ~ The Platte Valley Soil Conservation District has requested assistance from our agency in reviewing this proposed revision to the Mining and Reclamation Permit No. M-1999-120 to mine sand and gravel on an additional 165 acres of a 212 acre site near Ft. Lupton, Colorado. Reclamation of the site will be completed to reclaim the affected land to municipal water storage reservoirs. We have the following comments and recommendations on this application. Reclamation Plan Topsoil The NRCS recommends that topsoil stockpiled for reclamation be segregated from other spoil. The topsoil and overburden stockpiles should be graded with final slopes no steeper than 4H:1 V. Slopes that are less steep allow easier maintenance, aze less susceptible to water erosion and more readily establish grass protective cover. It is highly recommended that topsoil and overburden stockpiled over 30 days be seeded immediately as weather permits to protect the soil. The immediate seeding of these stockpiles should be done to avoid soil erosion from wind and water, as well as from a weed standpoint. Weeds are very invasive and move onto disturbed areas very quickly. Some of these can be noxious weeds and require control based on the state noxious weed list. Through immediate seeding to promote temporary cover, the opportunity for weed invasion will be less, as will the potential for erosion. For seeding the stockpiles, Luna pubescent wheatgrass and/or Amur intermediate wheatgrass aze recommended, both of which will establish readily and quickly. This temporary seeding should be done at a rate of 15 total pounds PLS per acre. It is recommended that the applicant coordinate weed treatment plan development and implementation with Ron Broda, Vegetation Weed Management Specialist with the Weld The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort [o help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.