PERMFILE107172 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• EXHIBIT "E" RECLAMATION PLAN The reclamation of the Trout Creek Operation is a unique situation. 1n looking at this area and the history behind it, the removal of the sands end gravels is the first process in reclaiming this area that was once productive farm ground. Several major floods of Trout Creek in the past have left an alluvial fan of sand and gravel ranging from less than 1 foot to approximately 20 feet at the top of the fan. Once the deposited material is removed to the original topsoil, the topsoil will be cultivated, fertilized end planted into alfalfa for livestock. This pasture/crop will be irrigated with sprinkler systems fed off the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dam, State Permit No. C-1795. The current vegetation is very sparse, estimated at 5%, consisting of short grasses such as Indian ricegrass, blue grams. Sagebrush, rabbitbrush, Pinyon pine and sparse Ponderosa pine are also in the estimated 5% range. This is due to the poor nutrient content of the sand and gravel deposit, and the nature of the Rockland and Rock Outcrop. 'There exists a row of Willow trees end the remnants of an old apple orchard on the affected land. Both species have grown up through the deposit. These trees will be removed as they are in poor condition. It is not expected to replace any trees, but to open these areas up to irrigation for alfalfa. Minine Operations Mining of the surface deposit will begin ar the outer edges of the deposit fan and work to the north and east toward the top of the alluvial fan. As the removal progresses, the original topsoil will be exposed. Once enough is exposed to make it economically feasible to plant, it will be fertilized and seeded. As the removal progresses the slopes of the remaining deposit will increase in height. These slopes will be maintained at a 4:1 slope. This will minimize any erosion that may occur: Erosion of the slopes is not expected due to the nature of the granular deposit. Also due to the granular nature of the deposit, runoff from precipitation is not expelled to reach the newly exposed topsoil. When the existing topsoil is exposed, it is expected to be left at a gentle slope to the west and south as was the case before the floods occurred. Slight re-grading may have to be maintained to eliminate any ponding. Outer reaches of the alluvial fen will primarily use land leveling equipment to strip the sand from the top of the topsoil to return to pre-flood conditions. Topsoil rejuvenation The existing topsoil beneath the deposit is undoubtedly in poor condition with respell to nutrient content. Once it is exposed, sampling will provide information as to the type and amount of fertilize that will be needed to achieve the desired results. As stated above, the newly exposed topsoil will be cultivated by use of ordinary farming equipment. As stated previously, the intent of the landowner is to have a high yield alfalfa crop, so every effort will be made to bring the soil back to its praflood fertility. Seedine and Reveeitation After the topsoil is prepared, seeding will take place to produce crop and grazing for cattle. This was the use of the lend prior to any Flooding and is the predominant land use in the surtounding areas. At this time, there is no intention [o replace any trees or shrubs or to attempt to rejuvenate the small apple orchard.