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Pequot Lakes Staff Report 4(a) - 2 March 19, 2015 The final restoration plan is proposed 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 with the guidance from MN DNR handbook for reclaiming sand and gravel pits. All measures will be taken to keep banks stabilized. The applicant proposes to use Wild Acres Road, which borders on the north, as the primary haul route. Truck activity can vary depending on the projects in the area, demand for material and weather conditions. The proposed truck activity onto Wild Acres Road will lessen activity on Nelson Road from the Swenson pit site. Wild Acres Road is a shared roadway with Jenkins Township, Ideal Township and the City of Pequot Lakes. Applicant states mining and extractive activities are intermittent and temporary activities, dependent on market demands and needs. Typically such operations occur in the months between March and November, with typical hours of operation from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. The applicant also requests the ability to operate 24 hours per day should a project require such action. The Swenson pit operates 24 hours per day an average of 2 weeks per year. Applicant estimates the expected life of the operation would be 10 years. The site is screened on three sides by forested buffers. The north end of the site has been planted with Norway Pines to further buffer neighboring properties. Applicant states no operations or any stockpiles will be placed closer than 50 feet from the property line. Topsoil and overburden berms will be created surrounding the excavation area and will act as safety barriers. The property will be signed and gated when the pit is active. Additional proper barriers will be established for safety, when needed. Applicant proposes measures will be taken to minimize any damage on the natural resources on the site. Erosion from all activities will be in compliance with the MPCA and NPDES permits. The active site will have a site specific SWPPP plan (stormwater prevention and pollution plan). Operations will be conducted and erosion and sedimentation control best management practices (BMP), as required by MPCA General Permit MN G490001, will be maintained until the pit area is permanently stabilized or reclaimed. The proposed vegetative alterations would include removing an approximate 4 acre stand of Aspen and Oak. It is not anticipated that any other trees will be cut with the exception of scrub brush that have grown up since the last cutting on the site. The stripping of the topsoil and overburden from the excavation area will be stored in a berm surrounding the extraction areas. The berms will act as a method for erosion control and noise buffer. The topsoil will later be used for restoration. The final elevations are anticipated to be approximately 20 – 25 feet