2014-10-07_PERMIT FILE - C1981018A (3)

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• The general context in which seed mixes are specified here refers to the broad spectrum of the revegetation of a site. Interspecies competition and the revegetation success criteria may drive the seeding of select species or groups of species at the exclusion of others over limited portions of a site. These special seedings generally require applying the desired specie(s) at 1 to 10 times the normal rate stated for the site's seed mix on the specific area seeded. Suitable growth media are replaced to depths between 4 and 24 inches on permanently revegetated sites. The shallower areas correspond to sites where shallow soils were present prior to the removal of topsoil. The thicker replacement depths correspond to those areas where maximum depths of native soils occurred. The use of container shrub tubelings as transplants into revegetated areas is not recommended initially. Revegetation projects in the region have demonstrated significant success with seeding shrub species in highly channery soils. The sites revegetated in these projects were prepared by ripping to produce maximum micro -sites and mulched with natural materials. Emergence and establishment of seeded shrub species was significantly greater than that typically expected for tubeling transplants (CSU 1979, C -b Shale Oil Venture E.B. Baker pers. comm. 1980). V.1.4.b Fertilier . Fertilizer will be used only as needed to establish the desired vegetation. The primary reason for limiting or eliminating fertilization from the revegetation scheme is that it • promotes annual weed growth to a greater extent than the desired perennial species. Competition from annual weeds, primarily cheatgrass, is the main hindrance to successful stand establishment at the Deserado Mine. Furthermore, nutrients are generally limited on the native range, thus, requiring the vegetation to be adapted to these conditions. If fertilizer is applied at the time of planting it will generally be limited to phosphorus. Nitrogen fertilization is well known to stimulate weed growth. However conflicting evidence exists as to the response of weedy annuals to phosphorus fertilization, thus, caution is advised. Soil test and vegetative signs of excessive nutrient deficiencies will be used as a basis for fertilizer applications. Once the seedlings have reached the second leaf stage they should be examined for evidence of stress from nutrient deficiencies. Nitrogen deficiencies generally express themselves as chlorotic yellowing starting at the leaf tip and poor vigor. Should excessive stress from nitrogen deficiencies be observed ammonium nitrate, urea, or diammonium phosphate will be broadcast. Phosphorus deficiencies generally show as purple color to the leaves and lower stems along with stunting. Some species may naturally show a purple coloration even when phosphorus is adequate. Care must be used not to improperly identify phosphate deficiencies. If phosphate deficiencies are observed triple superphosphate or diammonium phosphate will be broadcast. V.1.4.c Mulch. Commercial mulches may be used for erosion control in situations requiring temporary measures such as steep slopes with erosive soils (e.g., 1.5:1). Excelsior blanket, jute • mesh or a bonded fiber matrix or the more traditional hydromulch can be applied in these situations. Permit Rev. #4 (11/2002) V -37