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F)� <br /> 3. According to the Reclamation Plan, the regevetation will be determined based <br /> on the results of Test Plots. The Operator should be aware that if any <br /> component of the revegetation plan (seed mix, soil amendments, topsoil type <br /> and depth) is altered, then a Technical Revision will be required to implement <br /> these changes. Please provide the Division with the following information: <br /> a. The location of the test plots. <br /> b. The size and number of test plots. <br /> c. The timing of planting. <br /> d. The number of growing seasons before the test plots are evaluated. <br /> e. The criteria used to evaluate the effectiveness of each test plot. <br /> Response: <br /> Technical Revision No. 2 is revised to further describe the reclamation <br /> test plots for revegetation. The details of the planned test plots are <br /> summarized below and provided in Attachment B of this letter. <br /> The actual location of the test plots will be determined by the earth work <br /> contractor based on their earthwork schedule and regrading plan. <br /> However, the specifications will require that the contractor develops test <br /> plots with similar elevations and aspects (northeast to northwest facing <br /> slopes) as the planned reclamation. The test plots will have 30'x30' <br /> dimensions with two variables per plot, or two 15'x30'subplots. There <br /> would be a total of 4 test plots, or 8 total subplots. The test plots would <br /> be seeded in the fall and run for a minimum of two years, with four years <br /> ideally. A spring seeding will be considered if the ground is wet enough <br /> and there is sufficient moisture to obtain germination. The test plots <br /> would be monitored twice per year, spring and fall. The plots and plants <br /> would be photographed and a vegetative survey conducted to include <br /> plant type, plant height, plant density, overall, vegetation density, and <br /> presence of weeds. Monitoring would also include general observations <br /> such as evidence of erosion and pest issues. Soil samples would be <br /> collected each fall for routine soil nutrient assessment, including major <br /> plant nutrients and micronutrients. Aggregate Industries may also <br /> conduct a bench top study to be conducted as part of year 1 activities <br /> that could allow the start reclamation activities prior to two full years of <br /> the test plots. The bench study would supplement the field plot <br /> information. By growing indoors, faster germination and vegetative <br /> growth can be achieved. <br /> 3 <br /> hdrinc.com <br /> 1670 Broadway, Suite 3400, Denver,CO 80202-4824 <br /> (303)764-1520 <br />