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Whenever practical, the salvaged topsoil will be immediately transported to leveled backfill areas <br />and placed on the regraded surface. The direct haul method is economically desirable and also <br />maintains a high Topsoil quality by a direct transfer of viable seed, microbes, and roots; reduced <br />compaction, better preserved structure, increased aeration, and stable nutrient status. <br />Topsoil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, re-spreading, or final <br />grading. This may require handling of topsoil only after irrigation water is cut off between October <br />and April. Handling sticky or plastic soils in a saturated state would reduce the quality of the tapsoil <br />by degrading the physical characteristics and filth of the soil. A hard, compact surface layer would <br />result, which would reduce or inhibit seed germination, seedling root establishment, and air and <br />water penetration. Most of the topsoil material recommended for salvage has a sandy loam to <br />sandy clay loam soil texture which have low to moderate consistency limitations (Section 2.04.9, <br />Soils Resource Information). Specific protective measures will be utilized to minimize wind and <br />water erosion. Such measures will include contour ripping or chisel plowing of regraded spoil and <br />replaced topsoil and rapid establishment of vegetation. Long unbroken slopes will be avoided to <br />minimize sediment runoff and gullying. Seeding the topsoil stockpiles with native grasses will be <br />• done to prevent erosion and also improve the fertility and physical filth of the soil. The topsoil <br />removal area at any one time shall be minimized to the extent practicable to prevent troth wind and <br />water erosion. <br />1988 and 1995. WFC proposes the use of selected overburden or. interburden materials, <br />approximately 33,600 cubic yards (see Exhibit 2.05.4-4) as topsoil substitutes or plant seedbed <br />media. This is based on approximately 21 acres of land within the mining area that had unsuitable <br />topsoil in the beginning (Soil Unit 810), and the lower than anticipated recovery of 80 percent for the <br />remaining Soil Units 1E, 1EW, 808, 30C, and D70B. <br />A topsoil replacement depth of 45 inches for irrigated pastureland that was formerly Soil Unit D706 <br />will be used. A depth of 18 inches for irrigated pastureland that was formerly 30C will also be used. <br />For dryland pasture, 12 inches of mixed topsoil that was salvaged from Soil Units 1 E, 1 EW, and <br />808 will be used first. If additional seed bed media is needed, it will be selected from suitable <br />overburden or interburden material. <br />• 1999. WFC estimates that the proposed expansion area can be adequately top soiled for the <br />appropriate postmine land uses. All Lift 1 topsoil will be salvaged ahead of the active mining and <br />be redistributed as evenly as possible over the freshly completed and to AMC grade, backfill. <br />tae~~seu 6-18-2001) 2.05.4(2)(d)- 17 <br />