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water movement, and increase plant rooting depths. Bench 1 Surface spoil and Bench <br />1 Subsoil Substitute are sampled for the criteria in Table 2.05.4(2)(d) -lA and 1B prior <br />to topsoil replacement. Subsection 5.0 of Section 2.05.4(2)(d) describes the mitigation <br />plan that will be employed for surface spoil that is found to be unsuitable. <br />Topsoil handling and placement procedures are described in Section 2.05.4(2)(d) <br />beginning with Subsection 10.0. The testing plan to be utilized to verify the suitability <br />of topsoil replaced is detailed in Subsection 14.0, while Subsection 15.0 describes the <br />remediation process to be followed should a soil sample parameter fall outside of the <br />allowable limits. <br />D. Topsoil Preparation and Reconditioning <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(d) describes topsoil preparation procedures beginning with <br />Subsection 13.0. <br />For areas designated prime farmland that will be reclaimed to Cropland - irrigated <br />alfalfa hayland, the Bench 1 surface spoil will be ripped to a depth of 2 feet to reduce <br />compaction. Bench 1 subsoil substitute (eastern end of Morgan property) will be <br />cross - ripped to a depth of 4 feet. Cross ripping will also be employed beneath <br />stockpile footprints. Large boulders will be removed. Where Lift B subsoil is <br />utilized, it will be placed to an average depth of 33 inches, and then ripped to a depth <br />of 24 to 30 inches. Lift A or Mixed topsoil will be placed last, then ripped or deep <br />disked to the full depth of the lift, to relieve compaction. The topsoil surface will then <br />be land - leveled and rock - picked. Soil fertility testing will be conducted within three <br />months following topsoil placement. Samples will be analyzed by a laboratory, which <br />will provide fertilizer recommendations to promote growth of the irrigated alfalfa <br />crop. Prior to final seedbed preparation, soil conditioning and weed control tillage <br />will be carried out through disking. Harrowing will be conducted prior to seeding if <br />the surface is not sufficiently smooth following land leveling. For flood irrigated <br />areas, furrows 4 to 6 inches deep will be created on 30 -inch centers. Fertilizer will be <br />applied by tractor using a broadcast spreader at the rate specified by the laboratory <br />analysis. Fertilizer will be applied in the Spring of the same year that the initial <br />fertility testing is done. Ongoing fertility testing after initial seeding is described in <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Revegetation. <br />For non -prime farmland areas that will be reclaimed to Irrigated Pastureland post - <br />mining land use, the graded Bench 1 Surface Spoil will be ripped to a depth of 2 feet <br />prior to replacement of the single lift of topsoil. Ripping will be done to a depth of 2 <br />feet. The topsoil will be ripped or deep disked to the full depth of the lift, following <br />placement. The surface of the topsoil will be planed using a land - leveler, and rock - <br />picked. Soil fertility testing will be conducted within three months following topsoil <br />placement. Samples will be analyzed by a laboratory, which will provide fertilizer <br />recommendations to promote growth of the irrigated grass /alfalfa seed mix. Prior to <br />final seedbed preparation, soil conditioning and week control tillage will be carried out <br />through disking. Harrowing will be conducted prior to seeding if the surface is not <br />.1 <br />