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will be stripped and stockpiled for later use in reclamation. Overburden material will then be excavated <br /> using a dozer and scraper and stockpiled separately. Overburden will subsequently be used for <br /> reclamation backfill and subsoil material. After each mining segment of approximately one acre, the <br /> overburden will be back-filled into the excavated pit. <br /> The existing access road will not be reclaimed. <br /> Topsoil Preservation <br /> Topsoils on the portion of the site to be mined (Newlin gravelly sand loam and Renohill sandy loam, <br /> reddish variant) are about eight inches thick. The surface layer of soils will be salvaged during the initial <br /> phases of mining by a D-8 dozer with a blade, and will be stockpiled for later use.The location of topsoil <br /> stockpiles will be within the permit area and in areas close to final placement. As mined areas become <br /> ready for topsoil replacement, topsoil may be hauled directly from the area to be mined to the area to <br /> be reclaimed, rather than stockpiled. <br /> Soil material that is stockpiled will be placed on a stable surface within the permit area and will be <br /> clearly marked. The topsoil will be protected from disturbance associated with the mining operation, <br /> and from wind and water erosion, compaction and other disturbances that would reduce its capability <br /> to support vegetation. The stockpiles may be temporarily seeded and/or situated to minimize action <br /> from wind and water. <br /> Topsoil will be removed before any mining or other surface disturbance takes place. Topsoil will be <br /> salvaged only from areas required for mining and mine related surface disturbance. Vegetation will be <br /> recovered with the topsoil material. <br /> Soil materials will be subjected to physical and chemical soil analyses to determine possible means of <br /> enhancing plant growth. Soil analyses may include pH, texture, specific conductivity, sodium adsorption <br /> ratio, nitrate nitrogen, plant available phosphorous and potassium. It is expected that the soils tests <br /> results will indicate little enhancement is necessary. Existing vegetation verifies the Soil Conservation <br /> Service determination for soils in the area as suitable for pasture and crops. <br /> Regrading and Shaping <br /> The pit slopes and floor will be backfilled and/or graded to achieve the approved post-mining contour, in <br /> preparation for topsoil placement. Contour furrows or water bars will be established on the pit slopes to <br /> reduce erosion and encourage stable plant growth. The overall contouring and slope will be similar to <br /> the original except that the clay removal will result in a general lowering of the elevation. (See post <br /> mining contour map.) <br /> Topsoil Replacement <br />