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• and fill slopes; pond embankments and spillways; and diversion ditches. Temporary reclamation sites will be <br />seeded and stabilized as described in Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. Topsoil will be replaced within the <br />aforementioned areas once final reclamation is achieved. <br />Topsoil shall be replaced along the contour, whenever feasible, to minimize potential erosion and topsoil/spoil <br />interface slippage problems. This practice will be tlisconiinued on steep slopes where the safety of the <br />equipment operator is in jeopardy. <br />Whenever practical, the salvaged topsoil will be immediately transported to leveled backfill areas and placed <br />on the final graded surtace. The direct haul method is economically desirable antl also maintains a high <br />topsoil quality by a direct transfer of viable seeds, roots, and micro-organisms critical to plant nufrient <br />relationships; reduced compaction; better preserved structure; increased aeration; and stable nutrient status <br />(Liberta, 1981; National Academy Press, 1981). Approximately five percent of the topsoil will be handled by <br />the direct haul method during the first permit term (Table 21-4). Direct haulAive handling is always preferable, <br />however the pit configurations, haulage distances antl topography (grade or steepness of haulage routes) of <br />the South mining area is not conducive to direct haulage of topsoil. The South Wadge mining area has <br />already been scheduled, topsoil stockpile locations delineated and the mine plan oriented toward this <br />approved plan. In addition the South Wadge mining area is long and narrow creating very long steep hauls in <br />order to direct handle the topsoil, therefore temporary stodspiling is more efficient method of topsoil handling. <br />The Sage CreekANolf Creek mining area is more compact in nature, however the pits are aligned along dip <br />thereby creating a physical barrier for hauling from salvage areas to replacement areas. The grades to haul <br />around the ends of the pits are eMreme and are not conducive to direct haulage. In SCC's opinion, direct <br />haulage is best suited to flatter more compact areas and must be planned for prior to commencement of <br />mining rather than toward the end of mining. In addition, overburden suitability sampling must be conducted <br />on the regraded spoils in the Sage CreeklWolf Creek mining area prior to topsoil replacement thereby <br />creating further logistical complications. However SCC will direct haul topsoil whenever there is an <br />opportunity to do so without interfering with the ongoing sequencing of the operations. <br />Topsoil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, respreading, or final grading. <br />Handling sticky or plastic soils in a saturated state would reduce the quality of the topsoil by degrading the <br />physical characteristics and filth of She soil. A hard, compact surface layer would result, which would reduce <br />or inhibit seed germination, seedling root establishment, and air and water penetration. Most of the topsoil <br />matedal recommended for salvage has a sandy loam, loam, or silt loam, soil texture which do not have <br />severe consistency limitations (fab 9, Soil Survey). <br />• <br />PR03 28 Revised 7/02 <br />