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Home My WebLink About20100719_ADI_ResponseFreeman Environmental Consulting, LLC 31 Cross Street, Suite 229, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-1515, Office 828-765-3571 e-mail: freemanenviromen@bellsouth.net July 15, 2010 Judith Wehner, i RECEIVED Assistant State Mining Specialist I DENR — Land Quality Section JUL' 19 2010 Division of Land Resources 1612 Mail Service Center t(F� Raleigh, NC 27699-1612 Subject: Steel Gray Mine; Mine Permit application information request, Mitchell County, French Broad River Basin Table Rock Quarries, Inc Dear Mrs. Wehner, Please find attached the information you requested concerning the above mine in your letter dated June 14, 2010. The attached information is in the numerical order of your request letter. The proposed mine was originally to be permitted under company names of Appalachian Stone, Table Rock Quarries and Blue Ridge Quarries, Inc. but Blue Ridge Quarries, Inc. the Mining Company who will operate the mine has decided to use only their name on the permit. Should you have questions or need further information, Nikki Street or I can be contacted at 828- 765-1515 during normal business hours or at 828-765-3571 (cell) anytime. Sincerely omas om) Freeman CPESC Freeman Environmental Consulting, LLC CC: TA, BG, LCE & FEC files 1v� 1MO/ Response to info request letter Steel Gray Mine 1). See attached sheet MP-2 and MP-3 for cross sections of current slope and Expected post mining slope. It should be noted that the site is currently a mine that was operated without a permit. 2.) See attached copies of return receipts for the adjacent landowner notification. 3.) Find attached signed and notarized notification affidavit. 4.) Find attached the signed Landowner agreement signed by the JD, Coy and Billie June Hollifield Mrs. Jo Etta Hollifield is deceased but her name remains on the deed. 5.) Access to the site from Altapass road is shown on the attached maps. 6.) Comments from the US Dept of Interior, Fish and Wildlife center on mining in the floodplains, but no mining is planned for the floodplain areas, only control structures. The site is currently an illegal mine site that is being reclaimed and thus the permitting process should restrict mining in these areas rather than promote it. The requested buffer is not feasible and is only the permitted use of what is ongoing and existing. Comments from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission from page 2&3 are responded to as follows: 1. Any clearing of trees will involve the piling if the slash and other woody materials for wildlife habitat as is feasible to comply with permit requirements. 2. No stream re -locations are planned. 3. Buffers provided are standard an will be increased as is feasible. 4. No stream crossings other than an existing bridge are planned. 5. All soil and erosion controls are based on 25 year storm criteria. 6. See comment in number 8. 7. All required notifications have been made. 8. At the time of reclamation the mine operator will contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission representative for a discussion of plantings. 7.) The area to be reclaimed was part of an area that was considered and illegal mine and had a reclamation plan filled and approved in 2009. The narrative from the reclamation plan and cover letters are attached. The area to be reclaimed in the permit was Area 2 8.) See attached picture and drawing of the existing bridge over the North Toe River. Also attached are: 9.) Pages 1,2 &5 of the permit application with the Applicant name changes. 10.) New maps and details with new owner name See attached sheet MP-2 and W-3 in # 10 for cross sections of current slope. Z ..i AL USE o —14 . COCO Postage $ W 06 Cartified Fee p Retum Receipt Fee rk PH m 2,3 r3 (Endorsement Required) $0.00 C3 Restricted Delivery Fee (Endorsement Required) -0 05/12/2010 $5.54 Total Postage & Fees .$ nu Sent o Mitchell Lumber Company M1 SGeef, Apt: N-o.;... ..................................... �S 4ltapassRoad C2 xNo . r I PS Form 3800. August 2006 See R ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article -Addressed -to Mitchell Lumber Company 55 Altapass Road Spruce Pine, NC 28777 A. Signature ❑ Agent ❑ Addressee B. Received by ( Printed Name) C. Date of Delivery n eA4SjD D. Is delivery address different from Rem 1? ❑ Yds If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type PO Certified Mail ❑ Express Mail ❑ Registered Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number 7007 2560 0000 8880 4661 (rmnsfer from service label) Ps Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595.02-M-1540 U.S. Postal Service,,., CERTIFIED MAIL,,., RECEIPT (Domestic Mail Only; No Insurance Coverage Provided) For delivery infn.mation visit nur website at www.usps.como p Postmark Relam Receipt Fee Here 1:3 (Endorsement Required) C3 ReslMed Delivery Fee Q. (Endorsement Required) 0 45.54 05/12/2010 `D Total Postage & Fees ,� Ill ru se Evelyn Hall r o Sr PO.... S'FTiiinp?iack 14foiiniatn Road O or PO Box tb. (` crt -,41; e: nazd--$prttee-Pine;ids-28-7?7...................'.... PS Forin :, ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4 if Restricted Delivery Is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front If space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: *Ev lyn Hall �285-Humpback Mountain Road Spruce Pine, NC 287rt7 A Signature ❑ Agent X ❑ Addressee d Name) B. KdOivl�ydd C. Date of Delivery 17 ❑Yes If YES, enterdelivery a d ❑ No MAY 20 2010 3. SBnlictRMA% 14 Certified Mall ❑ Express Mall ❑ Registered ALRetum Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number 7007 256� o000 8880 46�9 (Transfer from serv/ce law PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02W-1540 I ul lt/�m:F.9rra,nxna��.r.Mrra..Fy.rr. t.cH:an uyrlr.=or �•� rq r� Jill Z3 Co Postage $ CIO 06 codifiedFee p Postmark 0 Return Recelpt Fee Here C:l (Endorsement Required) 0 Restricted Delivery Fee $0.00 (Endorsement Required) � -0 $5.54 $Ln 05/12/2010 Total Postage & Fees _ rLl mnr a Mark Ureene c3 -sfrarifapcxo.85.1--Washb=Rcsad E3 or PO Box Na. C,, Gi'ty, Siete; ZIP#dF'n4c-&-1iiike5-NC--2-8.-%%-------•--------------------- to Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. Attach this card to the back of the mailplece, Sinature ❑ Agent ❑ Addressee AtRelved (Prin Name) ,Q,� C. Date of Delivery■ ' -)131 ''nor on the front if space permits.d di ferent from Item 7T ❑ Yes If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 1. Article Addressed to: Mark Greene 851 Washburn Road 3. Se7Delivery? Spruce Pine, NC 28777 ❑ Express Mail ❑ OR Rehm Receipt for Merchandise ❑ ❑ C.O.D. 4. Re(Exea Fee) ❑ Yes 2. Article Number 7p07 2560 00�0 8880 4715 (transfer from smite label) PS Form 38f 1, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540 9 U.S. Postal Service,:., CERTIFIED MAIL,,, RECEIPT (Domestic Mail Only; No Insurance Coverage provided) For delivery information visit our website at www.usps.cont, 1i;�Lle3t�41I1,�AUSsL' - CO ep Postage $ Carflfletl Fee 06 C3 p Retum Receipt Fee $2•30 Pesenark 0 (Entloreemant Required) Here r3 ResMcted Delve y Fee $0, 00 C3 (Entlorsama,n Required) Ln `° 55.54 05/12/2010 Total Postage &-Ease ti r` ante Mike and Ruth Queen o.--------------------------------- -•---- O orPoeor AltapassTFoad M1.........:. .. ary, starelc�-1?Ine; 28'Y17---------------------------------- •---•--• ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that vve can return the care) to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Mike and Ruth Queen 2533 Akapass Road Spruce Pine, 28777 2. Article Number (transfer Imm service labep _ PS Form 3811, February 2004 A Sl9eat�ra / /�7// Agent B Received by ( printed IYme) C. Date of Delivery D. Is delivery address different from Item 17 � Yes If YES, enter delivery address below: E�No 3. Service Type Certified Mall ❑ Express Mall ❑ Registered � Retum Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ Yes 7007 2560 0000 8880 4678 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540 ES Postal Service . RTIFIED MAIL., RECEIPT (Domestic Mail Only; No Insurance Coverage Provided) For delivery informationl .visit. ourwebsite at www.usps.comr; r3 V.44 vn to Postage $ to 06 Certified Foe O Postmark O Return Recaipl Fea Here C3 (Endowment Required) C3 Rastdaed Dalivery Pee $0.00 (Endorsement Requlr o ;g,5{ 05/1212010 nTotel Poatage a Fees $ - ru 171 nt o Baron &Mary aC C C3 -6„VAWC a:--F:o-sax t C3 or PO Bar Na � 'a"ry"5ieie:DP.T = - 1 '" �7}�-__._........................ ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete Item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Baron & Mary Mack P.O. Box 128 Fort Mill, SC 29716 A sign l X / ❑ Agent ❑ Addressee B. Received (Panted Name) C. Date of Delivery D. Is delivery address different from Item 14 ❑ Yes If YES, enter del' @@ drrgyss trelow. ❑ No 3. Semic Type JAA ® Certi {ed Mail ❑ Express Mail 11 ❑ Registered \ 64 Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured\\\Mail �O.O.D✓ 4. Restricted ❑ Yes 2. ArtldeNu7007 2560 0000 8880 4654 (transfer fromrom service laoeq PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02-M-1540 ..i Ln CO s O,,..,., i y •'a CO CD Postage $ 0o Cedified Fee 06 E3 O Retam Receipt Fee Postmark O (Entlorsemem Required) Here O Restdoted Delivery Fee $0.0 C3 (Endorsement Required) `D $5,54 OS/12/2010 1,r1 Total Postage $ Fees ,$ N r`LU&WWF-'AWPI*-WC---'T63'E AtMatthew Laws oaws B'raric&?toad'�o.ip:feE1T' Mwmain; rye 2s�ao-------..-.._..-..- ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. ■ Attach this card to the back of the mallpiece, or on the front if space permits. 1. Article Addressed to: Matthew Laws n 6S r-Fivs n .meh Read IS 2874Q 3 y J- t hlfS 4 , le A. ❑ Agent B. Received by (Printed Name) C. Date of Delivery D. Is dellvery address different from item 1? ❑ Yes If YES, enter delivery address below: ❑ No 3. Service Type 09 Certified Mail ❑ Express Mail ❑ Registered J4 Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) ❑ yes 2. I Me (iansferfrom service labe) 7007 2560 0000 8880 4685 1 PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102$e5-02-M-1540 U.S`�Postal Service=., CERTIFIED MAIL:;, RECEIPT '(Domestic Mail Only; No,, insurance Coverage Provided) r FopCeliverv: information visit our webslteet v -usps.cbfflc tea', 01 m -0 Postage $ m U.611 I16 Certified Fee p •31 Postmark E3 Return Receipt Fee Here O (Endorsement Required) O Restricted Delivery Fee 4Q.QI1 (Endorsement Required) ,r $ 55.54 )5112121?10 tr1 Total Postage 8 Fees .p Ir/�L173 - C•�. ��...... or PO Box No........J`J�i7_.<�..:!'...!a'.'!:S`:.1.-.. 4..�........... )0, Aggust 2110e ■ Complete items 1, 2, and 3. Also complete A. Signature item 4 if Restricted Delivery is desired. X ■ Print your name and address on the reverse so that we can return the card to you. B. Re eived ■ Attach this card to the back of the mailpiece, or on the front if space permits. C4 1. Article Addressed to: OhA2M1-9s F. V 165-" O®, I' AA)Aq _)Z �(o eIZ�n1 St�,..f �AU1Zf� C i,3AkeVZ-5Clfl� /�✓ of D. Is delivery addressbiRerent from item 1? 0❑ YY If YES, enter delivery address below: W 3. Service Type IC Certified Mail ❑ Express Mail ❑ Registered 1K Return Receipt for Merchandise ❑ Insured Mail ❑ C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? (EMtm Feel ❑ Yes 2. Article Number 7007 2560 0000 8880 4623 (transfer from service label) PS Form 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 1025e5-02-101-1540 APPLICATION FOR A MMNG PERMIT `f AFFIDAVIT OF NOTIFICATION I, Thomas Freeman , an applicant, or an agent, or employee of an applicant, for anew Mining Permit, or a modification of an existing Mining Permit to add land to the permitted area, from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, being first duly sworn, do hereby attest that the following are all known owners of record, both public and private, of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary (including, where an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract, all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts, that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary) and that notice of the pending application has been caused to be mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to said owners of record at their addresses shown below, such notice being given on a form provided by the Department: (Adjoining Landowner Name) Mike and Ruth Oueen Matthew Laws Baron & Mary Mack Mitchell Lumber Company Evelyn Hall Mark Greene (Address) 2533 Altapass Road, Spruce Pine, 28777 465 Laws Branch Road, Green Mountain, NC 28740 P.O. Box 128, Fort Mill, SC 29716 55 Altapass Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 285 Humpback Mountain Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 851 Washburn Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 (Attach additional list if necessary) I do also attest that the following individual is the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located and that notice of the pending application has been caused to be mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to said office at the following address: (Chief Administrative Officer Name) [i.e.: City Manager, County Manager, Mayor, etc.] (Address) Charles Vines, Mitchell County Manner Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersvitle, NC 28705 The above attestation was made by me while under oath to provide proof satisfactory to the Department that a reasonable effort has been made to notify all known owners of record, both public and private, of all tracts of land that are adjoining the mining permit boundary (including, where an adjoining tract is owned or leased by the applicant or is owned by the lessor of the mine tract, all owners of record of tracts adjoining these tracts, that are within 1,000 feet of the mining permit boundary) and the chief administrative officer of the county or municipality in which any part of the permitted area is located in compliance with N.C.G.S. 74-50(bl) and 15A NCAC 513.0004(d). I understand that ' is the ponsibility of the applicant to retain the receipts of mailing showing that the above notices were ca ed toailed and to provide them to the Department upon request. Signature of Applicant or Agent Date If person executing Affidavit is an agent or employee of an applicant, provide the following information: Name of applicant: Merle D. Andrews Title of persont, executing Affidavit Thomas Freeman t�Y1 I, � \ r 1 9 \\P \4, . 0C0nf . a Notary Public of the County of State o AT, Cazofina o hereby certify that 1 nU1 T I 5 appe befo e e this y and under oath acknowledged that ttthe �above Affidavit was made by him/her. Wi myloand and n al seal. this �day of l A 20]t?rr.1� No my Commission expires: -17 - i-OF APPLICATION FOR A N"ING PERMIT G. LAND ENTRY AGREEMENT We hereby grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right of entry and travel upon our lands or operation during regular business hours for the purpose of making necessary field inspections or investigations as may be reasonably required in the administration of the Mining Act of 1971 pursuant to G.S. 74-56. We further grant to the Department or its appointed representatives the right to make whatever entries on the land as may be reasonably necessary and to take whatever actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to carry out reclamation which the operator has failed to complete in the event a bond forfeiture is ordered pursuant to G.S. 74-59. LANDOWNER: Signature: Signature: a7 Signature: �Jlli t l II. to Print Name: JD & Jo Etta Hollifield Print Name: Co & Billie June Hollifield (Title, if applica le) Company _Landowners of Record (If applicable) Address: 174 Bidfield Ridge Road Spruce Pine, NC 28777 Telephone: (828 )-765-9513 Date Signed: '7— c� / Q APPLICANT: Signature:* Print Name: Merle D Andrews Title: President Company: Blue Ridge Ouarries, Inc. Mine Name: Steel Gray Mine Telephone: (828 )-756-4651 Date Signed: 4&Z — /v *Signature must be the same as the individual who signed Page 1 of this application. One orieinal and five (5) copies of the completed application, six (6) copies of all location maps, mine maps and reclamation maps, and the appropriate processing fee (see next page for fee schedule) in the forma check or money order payable to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources must be sent to the Land Quality Section Central Office at the address listed on the front cover of this application form. Inquiries regarding the status of the review of this application should be directed to the Mining Program staff at (919) 733-4574. 18- L Freeman Environmental Consulting, LLC 31 Cross Street, Suite 229, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-1515, Office 828-765-3571 e-mail: freemanenviromen@bellsouth.net August 19, 2009 Ms Janet Boyer P.E. Regional Engineer NCDENR - Land Quality Section 2090 US Highway 70 Swannanoa, NC. 28778 Subject: Hollifield Mine reclamation Plan Altapass Road, Grassy Creek Township Spruce Pine, Mitchell County Dear Ma Boyer, Please find attached a simple Mine Reclamation plan for the above listed mine property in accordance with Notice of Violation from your officQ (m dated July 14, 2009, The attached plan is simple and addresses the core of your letter in that it in effect closes the mines and reclaims the property. All but a few pieces of equipment have been removed and the reclamation should be completed by late fall, with the grasses sown and controls in place. If you should have questions eoamning this reclamation plan I can he reached at 828-765-1515. Sincerely, Thomas (Tom) Freeman Freeman Environmental Consulting, LLC CC: CH, JDH & FEC files O Hollifield Mine reclamation Plan Narrative The enclosed plan is in response to a notice of violation for mining without a permit issued to Coy D. Hollifield, J.D. Hollifield, Billie .tune Hollifield, and Eda Jo Hollifield written and dated July 14, 2009. This letter was written in reference to a mining operation on Altapass Road near Spruce Pine, NC. The mining operation is on a piece of land used primarily for agricultural reasons and lays adjacent to the North Toe River and is across the river from the intersection of Altapass Road and Halltown Road. The site has been mined in several different areas over the years but this plan will address 2 that have been recently active and one that has been closed and reclaimed by the property owners and nature. Site Conditions The site has been mined over the past 40 + years in different locations with some of those being reclaimed by nature and some being reclaimed as early as two years ago by the owner. The mines are at the edge of a flat level area along the North Toe River and at the point where the land becomes steep and roils into the hillside. The mines have been excavated into and up the slope and the spoils have been placed at the edge of the mining area and used to maintain an old road that travels through the property. Mine site number one is the largest of the mines and is deep enough to allow all of the area that is disturbed to drain to the inside of the mine. There is no ground water inside the mine only surface water that is drained into this mine. Two years ago considerable improvements were made to the area above the mine by rn grading, sloping, and seeding as you can see by the attached photos. There was a processing area near the mine but it only contains rock and therefore has no erosion. The mine site area has a mixture of stone and soils around the outside and those areas are vegetated at the top of the mine but the lower areas remain to be seeded. There are no signs of severe erosion at this area and no runoff is reaching the North Toe River Mine site number two is smaller than the #1 None site and has been recently mined. The mining at this area was performed without planning or direction and the area has potential to erode if left in the current condition. This mine site has positive drainage to the level area near the river and at present is not producing runoff that enters the river. The site has been developed up the slope more than 100 feet and will require minimum grading to concentrated flows and prevent future erosion. There are no signs of severe erosion at this area but erosion controls will be necessary to prevent future problems. Dine site number three is located at the gated entrance to the property and grading and nature has completely grown over and there is no sediment loss or erosion currently at this area. It is only included because parts of the highwall area is visible. Adjacent Propel Property use in the area surrounding the mining site is primarily agriculture and forestlands. There is a residential dwelling near the entrance gate and another across the river and Altapass Road. There are commercial and industrial properties within a quarter mile radius of the site. \41� Soils A soils resource report from the US Department of Agriculture is attached showing the soils in the area of the mine sites. Although the soils have been disturbed in the area this shows the soils that will be available by grading. Reclamation Plans This plan will address three mining areas, the two that have recently been active and the third which has been completely reclaimed and closed. Photos attached will show each of the mining operations in their current state. This plan will discuss best management practices needed to secure these areas. Mining has been stopped at all areas of the site and the equipment is in the process of being moved pre the requirements of your letter and Notice -of Violation of July 14, 2009 from your office. All three mine sites wifi be provided with barrier fences at the top of the highwali area. These fences will be shown on the attached drawings and will be made of high tinsel strength heavy gage wire and be secured with wooden posts on the corners and metal posts in-between (see attached drawing). All highwall areas will be secured in this manner to keep someone from inadvertently entering the mine in these areas. Signs will also be posted. Mine Area No.1: This area will be corrected and brought back into compliance by sloping the road to the second level (which will no longer be needed) to drain into En the pit area. This remaining area out to the road will be sloped to the inside of the mine for the runoff to enter the mine and therefore allow sediment to settle into the bottom of the mining pit area. The surrounding area which is a mixture of smaller rock, gravel, and some soil will be seeded and be left for nature to take the area. The spoil/processing area wilt be bordered on the lower (river) side by special silt fence to control any sediment loss until the spoil can be removed, graded and the area seeded. Kline Area No. Z: This area wilt be graded to allow the slopes not to gather runoff and rut, but be diverted away from the disturbed areas into more stable areas. This mine will also be seeded after it is sloped and proper controls are placed in the spoil area adjacent the road ton the river side of the spoil pile). None Area No. 3 is stabilized and has a good seeded and naturat growth but will be supplied with a highwall fence. llv J \W-J Reclamation Sequence 1. Place Construction entrance at gated entrance to mining areas to prevent tracking soils offsite. 2. Remove any equipment and mining materials not previously removed. 3. Remove stone and soils from spoil areas on the low side and place special sediment fence to control sediment and erosion. 4. Slope alt areas at mine area 1 to drain internatty and seed peer the attached vegetation plan. S. Slope all areas at mine area 2 to drain to stable areas and seed per the attached vegetation plan. G. Seed and stabilize all remaining areas. 7. Monitor site after each runoff producing rainfall event and no less than once per month till a vegetative growth is established. S. Check at the beginning of each growing season for vegetation coverage and reseed or top -dress as needed to establish a vigorous vegetative growth. Freeman Environmental Consulting, LLC 31 Cross Street, Suite 229, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-1515, Office 828-765-3571 e-mail: freemanenviromen@bellsouth.net October 2, 2009 Shawna Riddle NCDENR - Land Quality Section 2090 US Highway 70 Swannanoa, NC 28778 Subject: Hollifield Mine reclamation Plan Altapass Road, Grassy Creek Township Spruce Pine, Mitchell County Dear Ms Riddle, In response to your correspondence on September 14, 2009 requesting additional information concerning the reclamation of the above mine site, each question is answered below as follows: 1. Reclaimed area at site #1 needs more vegetation. The disturbed areas on the entire site will be seeded and all areas previously reclaimed and seeded will be top dressed to assure a good vegetative cover is established. 2. Additional information is needed for site #2 for final slope grades, permanent stabilization and removal of loose rocks. The final slope on site #2 will be as flat as possible without disturbing more area. A track hoe or similar equipment will be used to roughly grade and slope the site which will remove the road and address any loose or unstable rock before the site is seeded. Large rock on the slope will be moved to the bottom to become part of the slope or removed from the site. If you should have additional questions concerning this reclamation plan I can be reached at 828- 765-1515. Sincerely, Thomas (Tom) Freeman Freeman Environmental Consulting, LLC CC: CH, JDH & FEC files APPLICATION FOR A G PERMIT � NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAND QUALITY SECTION APPLICATION FOR A MINING PERMIT (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE) 1. Name of Mine: Steel Gray Mine County: Mitchell River Basin French Broad Latitude (decimal degrees to four places): 035-54-09.28, Longitude (decimal degrees to four places): 082-01-58.10, 2. Name of Applicant* Blue Ridge Quarries, Inc. 3. Permanent address for receipt of official mail** 8487 US Highway 221 North Marion, NC 28752 Telephone: (828)-7564651 Alternate No. ( ) 4. Mine Office Address 8487 US Highway 221 North Marion, NC 28752 Telephone: (828)-7564651 5. Mine Manager Brad Gager We hereby certify that all details contained in this Permit Application are true and correct to the best of our knowledge. We fully understand that any willful misrepresentation of facts will be cause for permit revocation. * * * Signature Print Nan Title President This will be the name that the mining permit will be issued to and the name that must be indicated on the reclamation bond (securiW that corresponds to this site. * * The Land Quality Section must be notified of any changes in the permanent address or telephone number. * * * Signature of company officer required. G.S. 74-51 provides that the Department shall grant or deny an application for a permit within 60 days of receipt of a complete application or, if a public hearing is held, within 30 days following the hearing and the filing of any supplemental information required by the Department. All questions must be addressed and all required maps provided before this application can be considered complete. Attach additional sheets as needed. APPLICATION FOR A G PERMIT NOTE: All of the following questions must be thoroughly answered regarding your mining operation for the intended life of the mine. All responses must be clearly conveyed on a corresponding, detailed mine map. A. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINE 1. Answer all of the following that apply: X If this is an application for a NEW permit, indicate the total acreage at the site to be covered by the permit (this is the acreage that the "new permit" fee will be based upon): 14.72 Of this acreage, how much is owned and how much is leased? Acres owned: 0 Acres leased: 14.72 Property owner if leased: JD, Jo Etta, Coy and Billie June Hollifield_ ❑ If this is an application for RENEWAL of a mining permit, indicate the mining permit number and the total (overall) acreage covered y the existing permit: Mining Permit No.: Total permitted acreage (this is the acreage that the "renewal" fee will be based upon): ❑ If this is an application for a MODIFICATION to a mining permit, indicate the mining permit number and the total (overall) acreage covered by the existing permit. Mining Permit No.: Total permitted acreage: Does the modification involve acreage within the previously approved permitted boundary? Yes ❑ No ❑. If yes, indicate the acreage to be covered by this modification (this is the acreage that the "major modification" fee will be based upon): Does the modification involve acreage outside the previously approved permitted boundary? Yes ❑ No ❑. If yes, indicate the additional acreage to be covered by this modification: . (NOTE: you must complete all of Section F. of this application form entitled Notification of Adjoining Landowners). Of this acreage to be added to the permit, will any portion of this acreage be affected (i.e.: disturbed, ground cover removed) by the mining operation? Yes ❑ No ❑ (If no, a "minor modification" fee of $100.00 is required, despite the "undisturbed" acreage to be added). If yes, indicate the acreage to be affected within the acreage to be added to the permit (the total acreage to be added to the permit is the acreage that the "major modification" fee will be based upon): ❑ If this is an application for TRANSFER of a mining permit, indicate the mining permit number and the total (overall) acreage covered by the existing permit. Mining Permit No.: Total permitted acreage: SEE THE FEE SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS FORM FOR THE PROPER FEE AMOUNT TO BE PAID FOR THE REQUESTED PERMIT ACTIONS) AND CORRESPONDING ACREAGE NOTED ABOVE 2. Name of all materials mined: Granite 3. Mining method: 0 Hydraulic Dredge Front-end Loader & Truck X Shovel & Truck Dragline & Truck Self -loading Scraper Other (explain): 4. a. Expected maximum depth of mine (feet) 70' Depth is relative to what benchmark? (e.g., natural ground level, mean sea level, road elevation, etc.) Top of high wall b. Expected average depth of mine (feet) 40' -2- APPLICATION FOR A N*4NG PERMIT \Ift� A table/chart must be provided on the mine mapp that clearly lists the approximate acreage of tailings/sediment ponds, stockpiles, wastepiles, processing are roads, mine excavation and any other major aspect of the mining operation that is proposed to be affected/disturbed during the life of the mining permit. A table/chart similar to the following will be acceptable: CATEGORY AFFECTED ACREAGE Tailings/Sediment Ponds 0.33 Stockpiles 0.0 Wastepiles 0.89 Processing Area/Haul Roads 0.54 Mine Excavation 3.48 Other (Explain) 0.0 Total Disturbed Acreage 5.24 NOTE: IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, THE MAPS MUST ALSO INCLUDE ANY SITE -SPECIFIC INFORMATION THAT IS PROVIDED IN THE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN THIS APPLICATION FORM (PLEASE NOTE THE ITALICIZED QUESTIONS/STATEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE FORM). THIS APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE WITHOUT ALL RELEVANT ITEMS BEING ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED ON THE MINE MAPS. -s-