2023-01-04_PERMIT FILE - M2022013 (10)

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16 6.4.5 EXHIBIT I/J - Soils and Vegetation Information surface roughing during continued development of agricultural row crops, or from the natural consequence of extraction activity, itself. Due to the flat topography of the parcel, the interception of upland overland flows by local irrigation ditches and surrounding roads, there is little upland watershed that would impact these locations as a result of nominal storm related events. The greater threat of erosion will be to resoiled slopes pending establishment of vegetation during reclamation. While some sheet and rill erosion can be anticipated on unprotected areas following seed bed preparation and seeding, planned conservation measures should help to limit erosion potential that would threaten the revegetation efforts. Prior to recoiling, the foundation material that will underlie the soil will be sculpted to establish initial soil stabilization features, and left rough to aid in resoil adherence. Soil will be placed over a 12-18± inch minimum friable, or otherwise unconsolidated, subsoil. A 12-18± inch swale with slopes of 3H:1V or flatter will be placed above finished slopes where necessary to direct any upland surface flows around the finished slopes to an established stable drainage corridor or grass-way. Resoiled areas will be allowed sufficient time to settle prior to seeding. Seeding will commonly follow in the fall or spring as detailed under Exhibit E — Reclamation Plan. Resoiling will occur when soil moisture is adequate to prevent blowing, yet dry enough to prevent compaction. Part of the soil rebuilding process on the reconstituted soils will be in establishing structure to the soils to facilitate plant-soil-water relationships. Overly compacted soils will tend to limit soil structure development and create a poor seedbed for later establishment, so revegetation may be deferred if soils to be reclaimed are manipulated while wet, instead of moist. Once applied to the surface, the new soils will be exposed to the raw forces of erosion until adequate vegetative cover and root mass develops. Erosion requires both detachment and transportation in order to occur. Running water, wind, and raindrop impact are the main forces of erosion acting upon the soil. The use of a sterile hybrid live cover crop will aid in the stabilization of the soil by allowing a quick vegetative cover to become established in advance of the native grasses. The hybrid will also serve as an aid to reduce competition resulting from the establishment and growth of unwanted pioneer species (weeds) on disturbed ground. The attending reclamation seed mixture, and as approved, has a provision for the use of a sterile hybrid grass in lieu of mulch. Mulch, even when crimped with specialized equipment, is subject to being blown off the property, or reduced to an ineffective stubble. Often, it has been observed to intercept rainfall where it quickly evaporates from the stubble surface, limiting the benefits of light precipitation by preventing infiltration and percolation of moisture to the root zone. The hybrid on the other hand will establish quickly, but since it is sterile, will not continue to compete with the emerging native grasses. After two to three years, the hybrid grass will begin to die out just as the native grasses emerge and improve their dominance over the revegetated areas. Increasing Organic matter, such as the incorporation of manure into fallow soils, will aid in the restructuring of the new soils by increasing the moisture and fertility holding capacity of the upper VARRA COMPANIES, INC. TWO RIVERS SAND GRAVEL AND RESERVOIR PROJECT MARCH 2O22 A REGULAR IMPACT[1121 CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION-COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION WING&SAFETY OFFICE OF MINED LAND RECLAMATION