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Walstrum Spur Amendment, Exhibit E—Reclamation Plan revised September 2021 <br /> concurrent reclamation. The growth medium will be kept free of contaminants so that it is capable of sustaining <br /> vegetation when reclamation begins. The growth medium will be located in areas where existing disturbances are <br /> ongoing, readily available for concurrent reclamation. The growth medium will be seeded if undisturbed for more <br /> than 180 days. <br /> As grading work is completed for each bench, slopes will be reclaimed the following planting season. <br /> Growth Medium <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 if there 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. Table E-2 shows the growth medium stockpile seed mix. <br /> Table E-2—Temporary Growth Medium Stockpile Seed Mix and Application Rate <br /> Species Desired Species Rate Rate <br /> Composition (pounds . Foot) <br /> Blue Grama 25% 0.99 18.75 <br /> Western Wheatgrass 25% 7.43 18.75 <br /> Sandberg Bluegrass 25% 0.91 18.75 <br /> Sand Dropseed 25% 0.15 18.75 <br /> SEED MIXTURE TOTALS 100% 9.48 75.0 <br /> DTETRA TECH P age 4 1 7 <br />