Laserfiche WebLink
2.05.4 page 4 <br />ESTIMATE OF TOPSOIL REQUIRED FOR RECLAMATION <br />It is estimated that a total of 5,622 yd3 of topsoil would be required for reclamation of the <br />surface plant area (surface disturbed area). This is based on 6.97 acres, to be reclaimed for grazing and <br />grassland, using the following standard formula: <br />6.97 acres x 43,560 ftr x .5' <br />27 <br />This would be sufficient material to cover the area with 6" of topsoil. The amended soils are <br />suitable for seeding and re-vegetation. The marginal soils of the disturbed area, most of which will be <br />obtained by recontouring the benches, must be blended to achieve the amended soil mix. Some on-site <br />soil buried beneath the top layers of coal and mine rock can be used. However, it would be best to <br />remove up-slope soils for back-grading and filling on the disturbed mine bench at the time these soils <br />are needed for reclamation work. <br />RE-VEGETATION <br />Development of a vigorous grass-dominated vegetational cover of predominately natives, <br />including some shrubs and trees will restore the general character of the vegetation to that found in the <br />mine plan area. The projected relatively open vegetation will increase structural diversity in the <br />immediate vicinity and probably will enhance the suitability of the area as wildlife habitat. Grazing <br />will be prevented in the reclaimed area for a period of at least three years to allow a successful <br />establishment of vegetation. A vigorous plant cover will protect soil from erosion, maintain surface <br />water quality, and minimize degradation of air quality due [o fugitive dust. <br />The disturbed area will not be ready for reseeding until the mine is abandoned and graded and' <br />dispersed with topsoil. The access road will not be reclaimed. I[ will provide access to [he reclaimed <br />area for fire control, reclamation work, and inspection. After the coal and mine rock surface layers <br />have been scraped up and used for backfill, no toxic forming materials will seriously inhibit plant <br />growth. <br />After grading and recontouring the mine bench and covering the area with suitable topsoil, the <br />disturbed area will be reseeded on slopes ranging from less than 3:1 to 1.5:1 on the highwalls. <br />• <br />January 1998 <br />