2018-02-08_PERMIT FILE - C2010089 (2)

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REVEGETATION 1.0 Introduction This section addresses the Revegetation Plan requirements of Section 2.05.4(2)(e) and contains the methods and materials that will be used to revegetate and stabilize all lands affected by surface mining activities at the New Horizon North (NHN) Mine. Two types of reclamation to support the postmining land use will occur. This includes Irrigated Pasture/Cropland and Dryland Pasture. In the following discussion on revegetation, each post mine revegetation method and land use type is addressed. For topsoil handling and replacement please refer to Section 2.05.4(2)(d). 2.0 Irrigated Pasture/Cropland 2.1 General Information The majority of the revegetated areas will be returned to a postmining land use of Irrigated Pasture/Cropland including lands within the permit area which have not been disturbed, but which have had irrigation water shut-off in order to better control and manage surface and ground water within the mine area during operations. Map 2.05.5-1: Post Mining Land Use shows all Irrigated Pasture/Cropland. 2.2 Seeding Management Plan Seeding will be done either with a rangeland drill. This type of seeding equipment will provide the greatest level of success in terms of proper seed placement. If it is determined that the drill seeding method is not desirable for a particular area, then a broadcast seeder may be utilized to distribute the grass seed onto the surface of the ground. No mulch will be applied on lands reclaimed at NHN. The residual seed in the mulch usually promotes the establishment of competing annuals, weedy perennial species and volunteer grain that would negatively impact the seeded perennial stand. The use of irrigation on the irrigated areas will establish an effective vegetative cover in a relatively short time after seeding. Companion crops of annual grains may also be used during stand establishment as these can provide some erosion and weed control benefits. In areas where irrigation will be utilized seeding will typically occur in the spring, but may be carried out later into the summer if necessary. This will allow for a 75-90 day growing season, enough time to establish an adequate stand capable of over -wintering. Fall dormant seedings may be made into annual grain stubble if the potential for competition from established weedy species is not great. For situations where temporary stabilization is required outside of the normal seeding periods and the stabilization period is less than one year, Seed Mix #2 will be Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 3 of 14 January 2018 (PR -02)