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Since the intent of Rule 4.14.6 is to allow stabilization through means other than regrading, every alternative means <br />will. be employed prior to using machinery to alleviate an erosion problem. If such action becomes necessary, one <br />•of the small rubber -tired farm tractors utilized in reclamation will be allowed on the site to re -grade the gully. Once <br />a site is regraded, it will immediately be planted to the appropriate perennial seed mixture. <br />Details concerning the backfilling and soil stabilization of the Fish Creek Tipple operation are found within <br />Volume VII, Fish Creek Tipple/Loadout Appendix, on pages 2.05-33 through 2.05-37. <br />(d) A plan for removal from storage and redistribution of topsoil subsoil and other material to <br />meet the reauirements of 4.06. <br />RESPONSE <br />The location and volume of all stockpiled topsoil materials are shown on Map 29, Reclamation. Topsoil stockpiles <br />are located on stable surface areas where the likelihood of disturbance or contamination by the mining operations is <br />minimal. Stabilization of the storage piles has been achieved with one of the perennial seed mixtures. <br />In the event that the side slopes of the revegetated topsoil stockpiles do not become adequately vegetated, then <br />alternate methods may be used for stabilizing the side slopes. The slopes may be reduced to facilitate revegetation <br />or an erosion netting or a geotextile may be placed over areas that are not adequately revegetated. In reference to <br />the erosion netting a product such as Curlex Excelsior Blankets, Polyjute or similar type products can be utilized to <br />minimize wind and water erosion of the stockpile. The other option would be to use an erosion control geotextile <br />such as one produced by Mirafi, or similar type produced by other manufactures. If these products were used they <br />would be installed per the manufactures recommendation, which typically involves unrolling the product and <br />stapling it to the ground. Likewise, the sections, where required, would be overlapped and stapled to the ground. <br />Redistribution of the soil will be done, wherever practicable, at a time when the physical, chemical, and biological <br />properties of the soil can be protected from alteration while minimizing the potential for erosion. If feasible, <br />redistribution will take place during the early summer and fall when the soil moisture levels help reduce the <br />emission of particulate dust. <br />Regrading topsoil during these seasons with a dozer or rubber tired blade will also minimize compaction. Frost <br />action plus wetting and drying should loosen most compacted zones to a depth of 20 inches, even in soils with a <br />high clay content, as documented by Shafer et al., (1979). Leaving graded spoils in a roughened condition will <br />alleviate slippage surfaces. Problems with a root penetration are mitigated by application of topsoil to rough - <br />graded spoil. Numerous field and greenhouse studies conducted by Dr. W.J. McGinnies of the USDA -SEA -ARS <br />on mine spoil from the Energy Mine No. 1 have documented that physical differences between reapplied topsoil <br />and the underlying materials do not affect root penetration. <br />Topsoil will be redistributed on regraded spoils to the depth specified under Rule 2.05.4(2)(b) and shown on Map <br />29, Reclamation. The reconstructed soil profile depth will be similar to the premine thickness and will be fully <br />capable of supporting plant growth needed for the proposed postmining land use. The beneficial effects of as little <br />as 2 inches of topsoil were demonstrated by Schuman and Power, 1980 in a paper entitled, "Plant Growth as <br />Affected by Topsoil Depth and Quality of Mine Lands". The redistribution will be accomplished with the <br />equipment and in the manner described in Rule 2.05.4(2)(a) and (b) above. <br />After redistribution and as soon as conditions allow, the topsoil will be graded to assure a uniform and stable <br />thickness consistent with the proposed postmining land use, contours, surface water drainage system, and <br />revegetation requirements. Application and subsequent blading along the contour will reduce erosion potential of <br />all topsoiled areas. Wind and water erosion control will be accomplished as described under Rule 2.05.4(2)( c) <br />•above. <br />RN08-05 2.05-108 03/12/10 <br />