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<br /> <br />Due to the absence of any pollutants, groundwater quality monitoring is not required in this <br />operation. <br />Wildlife <br />The proposed reclamation plan does not propose to create wildlife habitat. All activities will be <br />planned considering the safety and protection of wildlife on the property. Some species may be <br />temporarily displaced by the mining activities. These species aze expected to re-establish with <br />no difficulty after the reclamation has been completed. The creation of the lakes will create more <br />opportunities for aquatic birds, mammals, and fish. <br />Topsoiling <br />The top six to twelve inches of soil is classified as topsoil. This layer includes the root zone of <br />the grasses. It will be stripped and stockpiled sepazately. By using concurrent reclamation <br />techniques, the topsoil in the stockpile should only remain for one to two years. If the stockpile <br />remains more then one growing season, it will be seeded with Wheatgrass to prevent erosion. <br />Topsoil will be replaced in reclaimed areas in the same six to twelve inch depth. <br />Revegetation <br />The purpose of revegetation is to re-establish the pasture grasses for cattle and horses. Slopes <br />will be no greater than 3:1. The grasses were selected to be long lasting and regenerate <br />themselves. The ground will be fine graded and prepared for seeding. Fertilizers will be used <br />according to recommendations from the Soil Conservation Services. The operator will contact <br />the Soil Conservation Service periodically throughout reclamation for soil tests. <br />If a significant invasion of noxious weeds occurs, the area will be mowed periodically for <br />control. Weeds will be mowed before [hey go to seed during the fast growing season. <br />Mechanical control will be used as a first priority. Chemical methods will only be used if no <br />other alternative produces acceptable results. <br />The following seed mix will be used: <br />Streambank Wheatgrass <br />Smooth Brome Manchar <br />Meadow Foxtail <br />Alside Clover <br />Western Wheatgrass <br />Timothy <br />Slender Wheatgrass <br />Mountain Lupine <br />Kentucky Bluegrass <br />Red Fescue <br />White Dutch Clover <br />The seed mix will be applied at the rate of 10 to 15 pounds per acre. Seeds will be planted with <br />a drill equipped with depth bands and press wheels. The seeded areas will then be covered with <br />straw mulch at a rate of 4,000 pounds per acre. The straw will be crimped into the soil to control <br />erosion until the grass becomes established. Seeding will be done between May 1 and November <br />1 and as soon as possible after fine grading is completed. <br />E-3 <br />