PERMFILE44342

• Permit No: M1999002
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 1/21/1999
• Doc Name: PERMIT APPLICATION DRAFT SOIL CONSERVATION EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL RECLAMATION AND REVEGETATION
• Section_Exhibit Name: Appendices A-E
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OVERVIEW
Maintaining or establishing surface hydrologic stability is a critical component in the mining
and reclamation process. Adequately controlling erosion and mroim~~ing sediment
transport serves to prevent or minimi~P impacts to receiving waters, and supports and
enhances the long-term stability of reclaimed areas. There are a variety BMPs that may be
employed to accomplish these goals during development, operation and reclamation of the
project BMPs may be used independently or in combination to accomplish erosion and
sediment control objectives. While serving a common purpose there are distinct
applications to which BMPs are best suited.
Erosion and sediment control requires the use of specific BMPs that address different
physical conditions than those associated with channel reconstruction. Generally, surface
sheet flow control practices vary physically from those used to control concentrated surface
flows because of the differences in environmental conditions and requirements. Selecting a
single or combination of BMPs for use on a site must take into consideration the variety of
flow conditions that may occur there. Often there isn't a correct solution, but rather a
variety of combinations that may accomplish erosion and sediment control objectives for a
given location. Typically, complex flows require more sophisticated structures and
practices than less complex flows.
BMPs have been grouped in these appendices based on their primary uses or applications.
While the use of some of them may be limited to the category in which they are placed,
many of them present useful applications th multiple categories. Typical installations for
BMPs are provided for clarity. The practice of routinely prescribing controls for erosion
and sedimentation problems will be avoided. Each drainage situation will be treated
creatively to minimize construction and treatrnent costs, while striving to maximize the
effectiveness of BMPs.
SURFACE TREATMENTS AND SLOPE PROTECTION
Surface treatments and slope protection practices serve to provide temporary stabilization
for the soil surface az any time during operational disturbance and while vegetation is being
established during reclamation. These treatments and practices also reduce surface flows
and trap sediment. In reclaimed areas these treatments promote water harvesting and
conservation. Factors which affect selection of a surface treatment or slope protection
practice are slope steepness, slope length, soil physical characteristics, aspect, types and
amounts of surface water flows to be controlled, and the potential ability to revegetate the
location. All of these variables may be considered on asite-specific basis when planning
and implementing surface treatments and slope protection.
Ripping, Disking and Plowing
Ripping, disking and plowing roughen the surface by loosening and plowing it up into
linear rows. Ripping is usually performed by a motorgrader or a bulldozer equipped vnth a
single or gang of ripper shanks. Disking and plowing are accomplished using a variety of
agricultural implements. Ripping will be performed along the contour. Bulldozers must
be used for steeper slope ripprng in order to remain on contour. This type of surface
roughening may be performed az any time within the disturbed area. There are two points
in the reclamation process where it is most effectively employed. Prior to soil
reconstruction the graded surface may be ripped to provide an effective interface between
subsoil and topdressing. Roughening az this stage of the soil reconstruction process serves
to prevent topdressing slippage or circular slope failures. It may also promote subsoil
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