1992-10-20_REVISION - M1977348 (4)

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EXHIBIT E Conditions and factors peculiar to this quarry that have a bearing on final reclamation are as follows: (i) The quarry was started in this location due to ready access to continuous limestone outcrops. Soils in general are poor, rocky and shallow, and not practical to remove except in the lower areas where they are of greater depth. These conditions, coupled with low precipitation, do not support vegetation of sufficient value for grazing to justify the installation of fences. The D- thr~~ugh F-band outcrops have areas from which limited surface materials, consisting of soils with weathered, broken rock, can be removed without blasting and stored as the best soil substitute, or "topsoil" available. See also Exhibit I for soil descriptions. (ii) Several years of experimental plantings on 15 t~~ 20-year old overburden piles indicate that most plantings are successful if moisture conditions are favorable. Four wing salt brush and Hanson rose are plantings that have shown good survival. Rabbit brush, skunk brush, Morning Star, and miscellaneous native grasses have been reseeded by natural processes on the repose slopes of old overburden piles that have air slacked, weathered and settled over several years. (iii) Only portions of the 5-mile long A-band quarry i.s subject to reclamation under this application. Pre-law areas are noted on the maps. With this amendment, these pre-law areas will become available if their material is needed, in which case they will be reclaimed. a. It is proposed to reclaim the affected land to dry rangeland. Although the land is poor for this use, it: is about the only use practical under the conditions, including insufficient precipitation. For reclamation of quarry areas, dragline, bulldozer, and scraper will return overburden to the lower areas and • spread it. Some high walls will be reduced by a combination of dozing off the top and fill at the bottom. Stockpiled topsoil substitutes will be returned in final grading. 21