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Materials Rule 3.1.9, topsoil shall be removed and segregated from other spoil. If such topsoil is <br />not replaced on a backfill area within a time short enough to avoid deterioration of topsoil, <br />vegetative cover or other means shall be employed so that the topsoil is protected from erosion. <br />Salvaging of topsoil at the proposed quarry is even more critical considering the Applicant has <br />stated that the previous operation at this location did not salvage topsoil. Furthermore, the <br />Applicant has stated that there are very small amounts of topsoil available for salvage. The <br />Construction Materials Rules define topsoil as materials at the surface of the earth which has <br />been so modified and acted upon by physical, chemical and biological agents that it will support <br />rooted plants necessary to achieve reclamation. The Applicant has stated in Exhibit I — Soils <br />Information that the surface layer is dark grayish brown stony sandy loam about 6 inches thick. <br />The surface layer shall be salvaged in its entirety and estimates of topsoil salvage for future <br />phases must reflect this depth of available growth medium. Please specify where topsoil will be <br />stockpiled in relation to active quarry areas and specify how the stockpiles will be salvaged. <br />Response: Refer to Mulch Application under Vegetation Restoration in Exhibit E. Topsoil <br />shall be removed and segregated from other spoil. The surface layer shall be salvaged in <br />its entirety and topsoil salvage for future phases will reflect this depth of available <br />growth medium. It shall be used in a timely matter. If the topsoil is not used within a <br />year of its placement, it will be seeded with the approved seed mix and protected with j - <br />dams to prevent erosion. <br />5. Please specify how the Operator will delineate the active mining phases in the field, such that <br />areas which are outside of the active phases are not affected by mining operation. <br />Response: A note has been added to Exhibit E stating "The mining operator will install <br />tee posts with white pvc pipe over the top at each corner of the active mining area <br />boundaries to prevent disturbance to the areas outside the active phases. <br />6. The Applicant has stated the seed mix to be used during final reclamation of the site may vary <br />depending on availability of the seed at the time of reclamation. Please note the Division is <br />approving the High Plains/Foothills grass mix to be used during final reclamation and the bond <br />estimate will reflect the cost of using this specific seed mix. If the Operator cannot obtain the <br />High Plains/Foothills grass mix at the time of reclamation, then a Technical Revision can be <br />submitted to revise the seed mix. <br />Response: Noted- the reference to "Dryland Pasture Grass" seed mix in Exhibit E now <br />reflects the approved High Plains/Foothills grass mix. A note stating "In the event the <br />mining operator is unable to obtain the High Plains/Foothills grass mix at the time of <br />reclamation, a technical revision will be required for the approval of a revised seed mix." <br />has been added to the end of the Seed Mix portion of the exhibit. <br />