1981-08-12_REVISION - M1977184 (3)

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Mined Land Reclamation Board August 10, 1981 Page 5 There is approximately 10 acres of land in the north- eastern corner of the property that has not been disturbed by mining activity . This land currently is in a moderately good alfalfa crop. The area has an average of about one foot of salvageable topsoil of a silty loam texture . Therefore, there is approximately 16,000 additional cubic yards of useful soil in this area. Deposited to a depth of 8 inches, this soil would cover another 15 acres . The stockpiled topsoil added to the soil that has yet to be disturbed will result in sufficient material to cover about 31 . 5 acres to a depth of 8 inches . Topsoiling any area to be revegetated is important to achieving the greatest success in the shortest period of time . The pit slopes above the waterline and the boundary setbacks include an area of 15. 59 acres . Six to eight inches of soil will be placed on slope areas, and at least 8 inches will be placed on level areas behind the slopes . This applies only to areas where industrial development is not to occur. Therefore, 14 ,672 cubic yards of soil will be reserved for topsoiling slopes and setbacks. The industrial site, which generally occupies the central part of the affected land, includes approximately 12 . 82 acres . On this area 5 to 8 inches of soil will be spread if it is determined that the contingency plan needs to be implemented on all or part of these lands . The average depth of topsoil deposition will be 6 inches . Therefore, 10, 341 cubic yards of soil will be reserved for this purpose. If the industrial development begins within one year after completion of mining and backfilling, then the 10, 341 cubic yards of soil will be stockpiled for use in the develop- ment of the landscaping of the site, but none of the soil will be spread or seeded. There are approximately 33, 500 cubic yards of available soil . Of this total, a little over half is already stockpiled. If the revegetation of the lake areas and the industrial con- tingency plan are accomplished, a total of approximately 25, 000 cubic yards of topsoil will be used. An excess of approximately 8, 500 cubic yards will be available. Revegetation. The original permit required that 10 pounds pure live seed of Crested Wheatgrass be planted in areas to be revegetated. This seeding mixture is not appropriate. Although this species would grow moderately well , planting of a monoculture as part of a final reclamation is contrary to the