PERMFILE53867

• Permit No: M1977004
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 8/31/1984
• Doc Name: Response to Adequacy
• From: Homestake
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

-14-
amen
Item: Sloping and grading.
Memorandum of June 8, 1984, reaardi
Response: As reported in Homestake's application to the Division in 1977,
the premising vegetation types of the areas of 2:1 and 3:1 slopes are generally
Lodgepole, Lodgepole Aspen, Spruce Lodgepole, and Douglas Fir. Characteristic
frequency of occurrence and percent cover data are provided in that application
(Exhibit J). These vegetative types occurred on lesser slopes also. The
Annual Reports submitted by Homestake address reclamation success on lands
representative of those to be revegetated. The monitoring data are adequate
to show growth at angle of repose, 2:1, and 2.5:1 slopes.
Homestake has agreed, during its meeting with the Division staff on
July 12, 1984, to increase its reclamation plot research to include larger
plot work on the 2:1 and 3:1 slopes in question, to monitor success of this
work and to modify the reclamation plan if the plot reclamation efforts are
not satisfactory.
The mechanical treatments and seeding techniques will be discussed in
response to the next item.
Item: Seeding rates and tree transplant rates for benches within the South Pit.
Response: Based on Homestake's experience and the experience of its
contractors, it is proposed to drill and broadcast at a rate of approximately
34 pounds pure live seed (PLS) per acre and hydroseed at a rate of approximately
50 pounds PLS per acre. These rates presume adequate seed is available.
With regard to tree transplant rates, Homestake has experienced a higher
rate of success on its plots than the 20 percent noted in the review. Based
on data reported in Homestake's annual reports, we anticipate a success rate
on the order of 60 percent.
The seed mix has been updated as additional grasses have become available.
The annual reports contain data showing invasion by natural species at Hale
Gulch and along the roadsides. As the supply of native species increases,
Homestake will review the seed mix with the objective of increasing the content
of successful species. The palatability of the species has been determined
by the post-mining land use of grazing and wildlife. Elk use and the resulting
condition of the reclamation plots is being monitored. If monitoring shows
that reclamation is adversely affected by the use of the palatable species,
Homestake will revise the mixture accordingly.
Item: Seed application.
Response: On page 5 of the Amendment, seed application is addressed. To
summarize that presentation, it is planned to hydroseed slopes of 3:1 or
steeper. Broadcast and drill seeding will be used elsewhere. On page 9
of the Amendment it is explained that areas seeded to grass will be mulched.
The hydroseeded slopes wilt be hydromulched after seeding. Flatter areas
will be mulched with native hay or straw which will be crimped or disced
into the soil.