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and fill slopes; pond embankments and spillways; and diversion ditches. Temporary reclamation sites will be seeded and stabilized as described in Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. Topsoil will be replaced within the • aforementioned areas once final reclamation is achieved. Topsoil shall be replaced along the contour, whenever feasible, to minimize potential erosion and topsoil/spoil interface slippage problems. This practice will be discontinued on steep slopes where the safety of the equipment operator is in jeopardy. Whenever practical, the salvaged topsoil will be immediately transported to leveled backfill areas and placed on the final graded surface. The direct haul method is economically desirable and also maintains a high topsoil quality by a direct transfer of viable seeds, roots, and micro-organisms critical to plant nutrient relationships: reduced compaction; better preserved structure; increased aeration; and stable nutrient status (Liberta, 1981; National Academy Press, 1981). Approximately five percent of the topsoil will be handled by the direct haul method during the first permit term (Table 21-4). Topsoil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, respreading, or final grading. Handling sticky or plastic soils in a saturated state would reduce the quality of the topsoil by degrading the physical characteristics and filth of the soil. A hard, compact surface layer would result, which would reduce or inhibit seed germination, seedling mot establishment, and air and water penetration. Most of the topsoil • material recommended Tor salvage has a sandy loam, loam, or silt loam, soil texture which do not have severe consistency limitations (Tab 9, Soil Survey). Wind and water erodibility are of primary concern when dealing with topsoil materials in this area. Several soils have high silt, fine sand, and very fine sand levels in the upper portion of the profile, which, when disturbed, are highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. Handling and grading destroys some of the aggregate stability, further increasing erosion hazards. Because of these potential hazards, specific protective measures are required. Such measures will include rapid establishment of vegetation, cover cropping, and mulching, when necessary. Stabilization measures are described in more detail in Tab 22. Stable poslmine slopes will be designed to minimize sediment runoff and gullying. Postmine contours, shown on Exhibit 20-2 and 20-2A. • 28 Revised 9/9S