2016-12-08_PERMIT FILE - C1981014 (5)

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utilized on live handled topsoil areas where unnecessary surface manipulation could potentially damage native plain propagules contained in the soils. In areas where available topsoil allows increased topsoil replacement thicknesses, topsoil materials will be chisel plowed in addition to previous ripping of surface materials. Chisel plowing may be followed iE necessary by disking and harrowing in order to break up the soil ro produce a suitable seedbed. Seeding, Species and Amounts. EFCI will use several seed mixtures for temporary and permanent vegetative establishment on both mine and loadout areas, based on specific input from surface owners. The species selected for inclusion in the specific reclamation seed mixtures are predominately native species, which have proven effective in reestablishing and adapting to specific conditions at the Southfield site. Considerations involved in selecting species for inclusion in the revegetation seed mixtures included; natural occurrence on the site as documented by baseline vegetation data, ease of establishment, adaptability, specific surface owner input, value as browse for domestic livestock and wildlife, and contribution to vegetative diversity. If climatic conditions or timing are not favorable for permanent seeding or if immediate stabilization is necessary, EFCI may seed disturbed areas with oats at a rate of 10-15 pounds per acre. Oats to be planted will vary according to those varieties available in a given year. The oat seed will germinate rapidly to form an effective temporary cover as well as a natural mulch for later permanent seeding operations. These areas would subsequently be interseeded with the permanent seed mixture to establish a permanent vegetative cover. The permanent seed mixtures as shown on Tables 33, 33A, and 33B, Proposed Permanent Seed Mixtures and Seeding Rates, consist primarily of native grasses with some forb and shrub species. The permanent seed mixtures have been developed to provide an effective self-sustaining vegetative cover, which will prevent erosion, provide suitable browse for domestic livestock and wildlife species, and include sufficient diversity to ensure the long-term stability of the resulting vegetative community. The drainage channel seed mixture shown on Table 33A, Proposed Permanent Seed Mixtures (Drainage Channels), consists primarily oflong-stemmed grasses selected for their ability to effectively slow the velocity of storm runoff flows and provide erosion protection to the channel bottom and sideslopes. This mixture also provides rapid vegetative establishment to further minimize the potential for significant erosion. Originally proposed for use in the permanent Magpie Creek Diversion channel, the drainage channel seed mixture is applicable to other drainage channels that, by demonstration, require a vegetative lining to limit flow velocities to below erosive limits. MR-48 2.05.4-20 Revised March 2003