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Pequot Lakes Staff Report 4(a) - 10 March 19, 2015 12. The applicant has submitted a written plan for rehabilitation and reclamation of the pit area – interim and final restoration. The interim reclamation plan anticipates periods of dormancy during the life of the mining operation. During these dormant periods the interim restoration goal is to stabilize and secure the site. Typical activities involve inhibiting erosion of exposed soils, create stable slopes and where appropriate, re- vegetation. 13. The final restoration plan will be to slope the banks to a ratio no greater than 3:1 slope. The peaks and depressions will be graded and backfilled to a gently rolling topography. The final topography will allow runoff to flow to the bottom of the reclaimed pit floor. The stored topsoil will then be prepped and seeded following the MN DNR handbook for reclaiming sand and gravel pits. All measures will be taken to keep banks stabilized. 14. City Code requires 4 inches of black topsoil be placed on all areas, vegetation shall be restored by planting of appropriate grass seeds or planting of shrubs or trees, banks of excavation not backfilled shall be sloped to 3:1 slope, and reclamation of extractive use sites and haul roads shall be completed within 1 year after cessation of the operation. 15. The proposed extractive use is an appropriate use in the Agriculture zone; extractive uses are listed as conditional uses in the Agriculture zone. 16. Wild Acres Road is currently being used as a haul route for other excavation operations in the area. The applicant has indicated their trucks will be accessing on and off of Wild Acres Road and routed to their required destination. Truck activity onto Wild Acres Road will lessen activity on Nelson Road from the Swenson pit. 17. The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. There are several extractive uses in the surrounding area, including Pequot Lakes and Ideal Township. There is a large extractive use operation on the adjacent properties to the south of the subject property. 18. The proposed use will not be injurious to the public as necessary permits for stormwater and pollution control will be obtained, as well as permits for noise and air emissions. The proposed use will not pose a threat to groundwater quality. 19. The proposed use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of property in the immediate vicinity. There are few homes in the area that are located more than 1,000 feet from the proposed extraction area and other neighboring properties are either undeveloped or contain extractive uses themselves. 20. The proposed use will not impede the normal and orderly development of surrounding vacant properties for uses predominant in the area; the neighborhood is largely zoned for agriculture and forestry uses. 21. The proposed use will not require public facilities or services at public cost. Section 17-8.5, Subdivision 4 of the City Code does contain a provision requiring the applicant to furnish a bond to guarantee that rehabilitation, reclamation, and restoration are completed to the satisfaction of the City. 22. The proposed use will not create traffic congestion on Wild Acres Road.