1996-08-21_REVISION - M1981302 (3)

Home Browse Search

Jane E. Bunin, PhD October 21, 1996-Response Page 2 The Division did an inspection on July 29 , 1996 which verified that topsoil had been placed on the reclaimed areas, and noted that there were two stockpiles estimated at 30, 000 to 40, 000 yd' of topsoil on the site. In a subsequent site inspection, on August 16 , 1996 these two stockpiles were reexamined and the inspectors and the site supervisor agreed that these two piles total close to 50, 000 yd'. Mr. Ed McDowell of Turnpike Construction was also present at that inspection. He pointed out an additional pile of topsoil material, totalling about 50, 000 yd3, located adjacent to the Deepe Pit on property controlled by Turnpike which he indicated could be used by Western Mobile to reclaim the Deepe Pit. A letter was received by the Division on August 16, 1996, stating that this material could be used by western Mobile. It is calculated that there are 26 acres of Process Plant Area and 45 acres of Stage 6 area remaining to be topsoiled. This equals 71 acres . There is also about 10 acres of Stage 3 which requires topsoil . Therefore, there are 81 acres remaining to be topsoiled and approximately 100, 000 yd' of topsoil available which will provide 1, 235 yd' of topsoil per acre or about 9 . 2 inches of depth. On August 16, 1996 the Division checked the topsoil depth on the reclaimed areas, six test pits were examined, three in Stage 5, one in Stage 3 and two in the Stage 2 area. The average topsoil depth replaced was 6 inches. The revegetated areas have a good stand of grass including crested and intermediate wheatgrasses , buffalo grass, smooth brome, yellow sweet clover, birds foot trefoil and drop seed. The reclaimed area we inspected is compatible with the requirements for the future land use . Regarding future land uses, the permit holder must meet the permitted approved final land use requirements . Once this is done and the permit released, the Board and Division have no further control over what is done on the property . In reference to the Turnpike Pit , as explained in the Division' s July 29 , 1996 inspection report , the original permit application stated that the site was mined in the 1950' s, and that much of the topsoil was removed at that time (pg 31) . The reclamation plan (pg 14) states that the reclamation will provide a basic level of rehabilitation "This may include grading, drainage, and grass seeding . " The Construction Materials rules require that topsoil be removed and segregated, but do not require topsoil to be imported if it is not present . The operator has topsoiled some areas , but where topsoil was not available, especially on the south side of the area, seed and fertilizer were placed on the available material . The vegetation appears to be doing quite well and no significant