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these slopes will remain exposed and in a stable configuration. The remaining exposed slopes
will be graded to conform to surrounding topography to the extent practical and to create
terraces, uneven surfaces, and pockets to promote the capture of windblown and broadcast
seeds and moisture. This contouring will facilitate revegetation, slope stability, erosion
protection, and a reduction of visual impacts from un-natural manufactured slopes.
5.22.5 Site-Specific Reclamation
5.22.5.1 Mineable Pit
Pit Slopes.
The Mineable Pit has a total approximate footprint of 232 acres. Pit slopes are
assumed to be founded in hard rock. Pit slopes will be designed and constructed as part of
operational mining activities based on ongoing slope stability assessments and MSHA
guidelines. Pit walls will be stabilized during operational mining activities by terracing (benching)
or other acceptable engineering techniques. Pit walls are assumed to occupy the entire
circumference of the pit and backfilling, grading, and contouring will not be required. The slope
of the pit walls extending above the projected water level within the pit area are anticipated to be
stable and therefore, will not be reduced. Pit wall slope and high wall stability will be evaluated
during the course of mine operations and long-term stability evaluations will yield satisfactory
Factors of Safety after closure.
Pit Lake and Groundwater Quality.
Groundwater recharge into the pit will form a permanent
pit lake following the cessation of mining. Pit lake water quality will be assessed in additional
studies to adhere to LQD Rules and Regulations for Non-coal Mines, Chapter 3.
Pit Access.
Pit access will be blocked by a permanent fencing system and berms surrounding
the Mineable Pit. In addition, vehicle access to the pits will be blocked by large rock berms
placed across the access roads leading into the pits. Prominent safety signs will be erected
along the fence line around the pits as well as in front of the access roads leading into the pit
area. Fencing will be designed according to WDEQ-LQD Guideline 10 as to not affect wildlife in
the area.
Groundwater/Surface Water Interaction.
No interaction between groundwater and surface
water has been assumed. Groundwater hydrology pumping tests were conducted during 2013
to determine hydrologic characteristics.
Revegetation.
Revegetation of the pit area will be limited due to the nature of the hard rock in
which the pit will be excavated. Natural revegetation may occur over time in areas along the
benches.
5.22.5.2 Waste Rock Facility
The Waste Rock Facility will be located to the east of the Mineable Pit. The total design height
of the Waste Rock Facility is approximately 250 feet and material will be placed in 50-foot lifts.
The material in the Waste Rock Facility is assumed (based on waste characterization studies) to
be non-acid forming and thus an engineered cover system will not be required. Reclamation of
the Waste Rock Facility will be completed by regrading and recontouring operational side slopes
to an overall 3H:1V slope. The total reclamation area for the Waste Rock Facility, including side
slopes and the top area, is estimated at 426 acres. The current Waste Rock Facility design
incorporates the Low Grade Ore Stockpile in the southwest corner of the facility. The Low Grade
Ore Stockpile may be re-mined and processed at the end of the mine life.
Grading and Erosion Control.
Regrading, contouring, revegetation, and topsoil placement will
occur progressively with the Waste Rock Facility development to minimize reclamation time
after the end of the mine life and reduce the total time that topsoil will be stockpiled. Reclaimed
slopes will be graded to reflect existing topography, as practical, to allow for natural water
