PERMFILE70158

• Permit No: M1999002
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 1/21/1999
• Doc Name: Reclamation Plan
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit E
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Creating variability in topdressing replacement depth is desirable because it creates
microhabitats that promote development of floral diversity.
Generally, soils will not be redistributed when they are saturated or excessively wet.
Graded surfaces will be scarified or left in a roughened condition to ensure adequate
subsoil to topdressing interface and to avoid slippage or other forms of undesirable
mass surface movement.
Fertilization Fertilization is addressed in Section 5.1.2 of the Reclamation Plan.
After grading and topsoil replacement, soils may be tested for fertility (Water and Earth
1998). Soil samples will be taken at a density sufficient to characterize the area to which
fertilizer may be applied. Fertilizer compounds will be formulated and applied based
on the results of fertility testing. The amount of organic materials in and on the soil
(e.g., surface mulch, erosion control matting) will be considered in the formulation of
fertilizer compounds.
Application of soil fertilizer may be accomplished through multiple applications. For
example, nitrogen r~tay be applied at two separate times: once in the fall in conjunction
with seeding to promote organic decay and to stimulate the carbon-nitrogen cycle, and
a second application in the spring after plants have initiated growth but prior to
summer dormancy (Water and Earth 1998).
Should vegetation fail to become established across large areas, additional soil testing
may be performed to determine if nutrient deficiency is a contributing factor. If fertility
test results indicate soil nutrient availability plays a role in revegetation failures,
appropriate corrective measures will be identified and implemented. For example, the
application of custom fertilizer blends may be necessary (Water and Earth 1998).
Seedine Seeding is addressed in Section 5.1.3 of the Reclamation Plan and also in
several tables in Section 7. It is anticipated that several permanent seed mixtures
adjusted to the soil types in which they are to be planted will be used in reclaiming
disturbances associated with the Yankee Gulch Project. Examples of potential seed
mixtures formulated for specific topdressings, site-specific environmental conditions,
and post-mining land uses have been developed and are identified in Section 7 of the
Reclamation Plan. The species contained in these mixtures may be substituted or their
compositional percentages varied based on commercial availability and site
performance (Water and Earth 1998).
Revegetation Revegetation is also addressed in Section 5.1.3 of the Reclamation
Plan. Vegetation establishment and success depends upon the reconstruction of soils
that are suitable for plant growth and development. It is important to select species
capable of germination and establishment on the specific range site soils in which they
are to be planted (Water and Earth 1998). It is also important to select a variety of
species capable of supporting the post-mining land use (as dictated by BLM), while
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