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<br />-15- <br /> <br />81.6.114 Revegetation: Mulching and Other Soil Stazilizing Practices <br />The applicant states on page 816-149 that "all regraded and topsoiled lands <br />will be treated with a mulch as defined by 30 CFR 701.5 to reduce erosion, <br />promote germination of seeds and increase the moisture retention capacity of <br />the soil." <br />Spoil regrading will be conducted to minimize long uninterrupted slopes and <br />re spreading of topsoil along the contour; will also decrease erosion hazard. <br />Chisel plowing and contour furrowing will also reduce soil loss. (Hine Plan <br />816-153(b)). <br />Energy Fuels plans to use several different organic mulches. Annual grains <br />will be used in all areas except where inaccessability precludes their <br />planting. In inaccessible areas weedfree straw or hay mulch will be <br />distributed. Woody material left in the soil will serve as a supplemental <br />organic matter. <br />The applicant states on page 816-153(a) that topsoil from wooded areas of <br />Eckman Patk will contain abundant amounts of plant residue materials and that <br />these will serve as a mulch. <br />The principle method of organic mulching will be the use of annual grains. <br />Energy Fuels states on page 816-153(c) that the use of annual grains as a <br />mulch has been an accepted and proven part of [he reclamation program since <br />May 1979. Taylor and Schuman (1979) indicated that studies in Wyoming showed <br />that annual grains were superior to surface straw mulch in terms of erosion <br />control, moisture retention, and plant establishment. <br />Energy Fuels has selected Russel Oats for spring (60 lbs/acre) planting and <br />Elbon winter rye (60 1bs/acre) for fall planting. Prior to seed maturity the <br />cereal grains will be cut to ensure that volunteer cereal grains will not <br />germinate the following year (V. 3, 816-153 f). <br />The applicant proposes to anchor all organic mulches to the soil surface using <br />a crimper. Chemical tackiflers will be used only to anchor straw mulch on <br />areas that cannot be seeded to annual grains (V. 3, 816-153 f). <br />816.115 Revegetation: Grazing <br />The applicant states that all lands reclaimed to rangeland and pastureland <br />will be grazed by livestock in order to document ability of reclaimed land to <br />support animals at pre mining carrying capacity. Guidelines suggested by Che <br />SCS (1976) will be used to formulate the grazing management program. Grazing <br />will be allowed on all reclaimed lands during a[ least the last two years of <br />operator liability under 30 CFR 816.116(b). The applicant will maintain <br />flexibility in determining the size and composition of livestock operations. <br />This flexibility will allow optimum usage of vegetation during years of <br />