2015-12-07_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1974132

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Page 2 April 10, 2001 United Companies alluvial soil on terraces and uplands. Typically, the surface layer is a loam 4 inches thick. The upper 12 inches of the subsoil is clay loam, and the lower 5 inches of the subsoil is a loam. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches or more is a loam. Permeability is moderate, with a high water capacity. Runoff potential is medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate. The third soil mapped on this site, is the 101 — Work loam, 3 to 8 percent loam, which is a deep, well -drained soil on uplands, fans and terraces. The soil formed in eolian and alluvial material. Typically, the surface layer is a loam 10 inches thick. The 15 inches of the subsoil is a clay loam. The upper 20 inches of the substratum is a clay loam and the lower part to a depth of 60 inches loam. In some locations this soil contains as much as 25 percent rock fragments. Permeability of this Work soil is moderately slow, while the water holding capacity is high. Potential for runoff is medium and the water erosion hazard is moderate. The majority of the proposed site has adequate depths of suitable soil, which should be saved and stockpiled for use when the site is reclaimed. 2) VEGETATION: Existing vegetation on the proposed site is within the Rolling Loam and Deep Loam Range Sites. Dominate species found on the site were crested wheatgrass, June grass, western wheatgrass, bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, muttongrass, big sagebrush, snakeweed, and low rabbitbrush. Other species present include Astragulus sp., lupine, cactus, with a variety of annual forb species. Vegetative cover is approximately 20 percent, with annual forage production of about 1,000 pounds/acre air dry weight. This site appears to have been a cultivated field at one time that has either reverted back or was replanted to permanent vegetation. 3) RECLAMATION RECOMMENDATIONS: During the operation of the pit, measures should be implemented to control water flows off of the pit areas, which would cause excessive erosion on slopes below the pit. Deposition of pit material should be prevented on the slopes below the pit. At the time the gravel pit is closed, the following reclamation recommendations should be followed to help insure a more successful revegetation of the site: The landowner proposes a post mining use of rangeland. Surface water flows must be managed to prevent gulleying and erosion of the site. The lower reclaimed slopes will also need to be protected from the runoff flows to prevent erosion.