2018-02-08_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (6)

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With respect to the ERMR-Meehan property south of Meehan Draw, all of the topsoil materials which are largely Progresso with inclusions of Pinon topsoil will be salvaged and stockpiled together. Similarly, all of the topsoil to the north of Meehan Draw on the ERMR-Meehan property, which includes Pinon topsoil with a very small inclusion of Progresso, will also be stripped and stockpiled together. On the Glasier property, which includes mostly Pinon topsoil along with some inclusions of Progresso will be salvaged and stockpiled together. Topsoil Storage Stockpiled topsoil will be selectively placed on a stable surface area within the permit area where they will not be disturbed by mining operations and will be protected from wind and water erosion, unnecessary compaction and contamination. The protection measures will be accomplished by an effective cover of non -noxious, quick growing annual and perennial vegetation. A self-contained ditch or berm will be constructed around the perimeter of the stockpile to prevent loss of the topsoil resource. As soon as practical after topsoil is no longer being moved to or from a stockpile, NHN will seed the pile with Seedmix #3 as presented in Section 2.05.4(2)(e): Revegetation. A topsoil sign will be placed at the toe of the pile as required by rule. Topsoil Replacement Topsoil will be replaced only when the approved post mine topography (PMT) has been achieved. Topsoil will not be replaced on temporary reclamation sites such as haul road ditches, cut, slopes and fill slopes, pond embankments and spillways and diversion ditches. Topsoil shall be replaced along the contour, whenever feasible, to minimize potential erosion and interface slippage problems. This practice will be discontinued on steep slopes (>20%) where the safety of the equipment operator is in jeopardy. Topsoil will be scarified on the contour to a depth up to 24 inches with a chisel plow or ripper. The operation of seed bed preparation will also reduce compaction, increase infiltration and promote surface roughness. Whenever practical, the salvaged topsoil will be immediately transported to graded Bench 1 areas and placed on top of the Bench 1. The direct haul method is economically desirable and also maintains a high topsoil quality by a direct transfer of viable seed microbes and roots; reduced compaction, better preserved structure, increased aeration and stable nutrient status. Topsoil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, spreading or final grading. Specific protective measures will be utilized to minimize wind and water erosion. Such measures will include contour ripping or chisel plowing of graded replaced topsoil and rapid establishment of vegetation. Long unbroken slopes will be avoided to minimize sediment runoff and gullying. Map 2.05.4(2)(d)-1: Reclaimed Topsoil Thickness, denotes the anticipated thickness of the topsoil replacement. Section 2.05.4(2)(d) Page 5 January 2018 (PR -02)