PERMFILE64130 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

to determine the ability of the waste debris to support • vegetation and the types of plants that will best thrive in that environment. The U. S. Soil Conservation Service has offered their help and expertise in this field. After mining operations have ceased, or if there are areas which are no longer used in operations, final reclama- tion can begin. Mine portals will be blocked off or will be blasted to form a permanent barrier to further entry. Unusable buildings and surface structures will be razed, foundations removed and all debris removed so that the surface can be prepared for vegetation. Land forming to specified elevations will be carried out where needed. Soils will be applied to the 6 inch depth and fertilizers applied if advised. The affected area will be formed into level meadows and terraced terrains as depicted in Map C-3. It is anticipated that as compaction and waste areas are abandoned, six months will elapse until reclamation work can begin in the form of seeding and planting. The types and species of vegetation have been recommended by the Durango Soil Conservation Service. They have suggested enlisting experimentation during the course of operation and perhaps introducing plants not native to the area to achieve the most effective reclamation. As presently planned, those • types of trees, grasses and shrubs as indicated on Map C-3 will be used in the re-vegetation of the affected area. If testing and experimentation indicates other types of plants or species would be more effective and adaptable, re-vegeta- tion would be altered accordingly. Currently, our advice is that on flat areas, a mixture of the following grass is recommended: Western S9heat Grass 5.33 pounds per acre; Pubescent Wheat Grass 6 pounds per acre; and Stream Back Wheat Grass 3.66 pounds per acre. On slopes of 40~ or terraced portions of waste dumps, stream bank wheat grass will be applied. Shrubs will be planted in or near gulleys near the affected area on slopes of more than 40o and possibly on terraced slopes with the waste dumps. Although gambel oak grows abundantly in the region, unfortunately this plant is not grown commercially, and it is suggested that lilac or other non-native plants be substi- tuted where commercially available. Trees will be planted on level areas after grasses have established themselves. It is anticipated that Ponderosa and Douglas Fir seedlings will be planted on spacings of approximately 20 feet. They will be irrigated twice monthly until they have firmly rooted in the soil and subsoil. Grasses will be planted in late fall and should have two growing seasons before the planting of trees. Grasses are not expected to be irrigated. Shrubs will be planted in gulley areas to prevent erosion during the operation and during final reclamation program n U - 14 -