1997-06-13_REVISION - M1981302 (55)

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Mr. Harley Ernst REF: Western Mobile - Deepe Farm Pit-Amendment 02 June 10, 1997 Page 2 As stated in our March 6, 1997 letter, the Board feels that it is critical that a minimum of 6 to 8 includes of topsoil be placed on the reclaimed property. It is questionable whether the 6 to 8 inches of soil will support the types of vegetative cover proposed. Topsoil must have sufficient depth and potential fertility to support the type of vegetation to be established. In reference to Mr. Humphries condition that Western Mobile provide a soil testing plan that would verify the replaced plant growth media's ability to support the plant species to be established in reclamation be undertaken, our Board would question what action the MLRB can take if the test results indicate the planting media is inadequate? Mr. Humphries letter does not state the consequences of a negative result. In the event that the soils on-site have insufficient depth or have physical characteristics unsuitable for development of vegetative cover, the BVSCD Board would recommend that the MLRB require that topsoil or soil material having the capability of supporting the planned vegetative planting be imported to the site and spread over the deficient areas. The material must be applied uniformly in sufficient depth to support the type and quality of vegetative cover planned for the site. Infestation of noxious weeds is a grave concern as to the reclamation of this site. If the reclamation plan should result in poor vegetative cover, weed growth will flourish and take over the minimal vegetated cover. We feel strongly that the quality and quantity of the topsoil are the single most important factors in the proposed reclamation plan. I Second to the topsoil issue is the species proposed for the vegetative cover. It is our understanding that much of the reclaimed area will be seeded with wheatgrass and smooth brome. These two species are excellent dryland pasture grasses and should provide ground cover in a relatively short period of time if the weeds are managed. We would recommend the following species, varieties, and rates make up the seed mixture: I Required PLS rates Species Variety per acre Smooth Brome Manchar 6.5 Pubescent Wheat Luna 9.0 Intermediate Wheat Amur 10.0 Totals 25.5 lbs/acre We would recommend that the mix be drill seeded with a planting depth of 'h". Hydroseeding is not an acceptable seeding method. Hydromulching is acceptable as a means of seed protection. We would recommend that the seed be planted between March 1 and May 3 1" and September 1 and October 31".