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Walstrum Spur Amendment, Exhibit E— Reclamation Plan <br />As grading work is completed for each bench, slopes will be reclaimed the following planting season. <br />Growth Medium <br />April 2021 <br />Growth medium will be developed from various available onsite sources, including topsoil, other types of nearby <br />surface materials excavated in the weathered portion of the profile that are not suitable for sale, and other fines or <br />spoil from processing operations. The intent is to use available soil as growth medium during reclamation to enable <br />suitable vegetation establishment. No soil or growth medium will be imported for reclamation as there is adequate <br />material on-site that can be salvaged for reclamation. The growth medium will have a soil texture with 2-inch or finer <br />particles comprising 40 and 80 percent of the finished soil. The surface of the growth medium will have between <br />20 and 60 percent cover of rocks averaging 3 to 12 inches. The surface rock (rock mulch) will provide a localized <br />high moisture environment, habitat for seedling, protection from drying winds, and a reduced loss of soil moisture <br />through evaporation. Occasional boulders and vegetative scatter will also be left on flat areas to function as mulch <br />and break sight lines. <br />Amendments and Mulch <br />The Operator or a qualified subcontractor will test the growth medium before placement to determine the appropriate <br />amendments for that specific portion of reclaimed slope. Soil tests will be perFormed at an interval appropriate to <br />establish ifthere are large-scale differences in growth medium nutrient properties. Tests will measure micronutrients <br />and macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The Operator may apply additional soil <br />amendments to facilitate soil-water retention, nutrient retention, and other deficiencies found during soil testing. A <br />qualified subcontractor will select fertilizer and other amendments based on the results of soil testing. <br />As prescribed by the Operator or a qualified reclamation subcontractor, WoodStraw branded wood mulch fibers or <br />coconut mulch will be used selectively in areas where needed to stabilize slopes and promote seedling germination. <br />WoodStraw has further advantages for use in reclamation as it is not readily blown away during windy conditions <br />or washed away during rain/snow events. WoodStraw is also a certified weed free mulch. Broadcast seeding or <br />hydroseeding will be used, instead of drill seeding, because of difficult access to mined benches and the rocky <br />consistency of the growth medium. <br />Seed Mixes <br />The Operator has consulted with a qualified reclamation specialist to update the reclamation seed mix. The seed <br />mix is similar to past mixes; however, it is more specifically designed to be similar to the existing native vegetative <br />cover and now includes woody plant species. The seed mix includes species native to the reclamation areas which <br />tolerate alkaline and coarse soils, have aesthetic value, provide structure with some forbs and shrubs, and are <br />palatable as browse or graze vegetation to establish long-term habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and other native <br />wildlife. If any species are not commercially available at the time of planting, appropriate alternatives will be <br />substituted as recommended by a qualified reclamation specialist. Substitutions will be made based on the rate per <br />square foot not per pound. <br />� TETRA TECH P a g e 4 � 7 <br />