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Rule 2.05 <br />• Topsoil Management <br />Due to the abundance of deep, high quality A horizon loamy soils within most of the affected <br />areas, only the A horizon was stripped from disturbed areas. Topsoil stripping volumes were <br />calculated using an average topsoil depth for each soil series. For example, the Routt soil series, <br />which covered about 55% of the total disturbed area, ranged in depth from 20-34 inches as <br />determined by field sampling. A good approximation of the average topsoil depth, for the A <br />Horizon, was calculated by adding the high and low values then dividing by two: <br />20"+ 34" = 54" + 2 = 27" average topsoil depth. <br />• <br />Within the mine area, a clear color differentiation between the A and B horizons assisted accurate <br />topsoil removal operations. In addition, cut stakes placed by an environmental engineer prior to <br />topsoil removal were used to guide equipment operators. <br />Prior to topsoil removal, vegetation was cleazed using a brush rake mounted on a dozer. Topsoil <br />was stripped with 27 yard capacity, self-loading scrapers according to soil type and the depths <br />shown below in Table 2.05-5. In general, topsoil was only stockpiled when it was impracticable <br />to immediately redistribute such material on regraded areas. <br />TABLE 2.05-5 <br />TOPSOIL STRIPPING DATA <br /> <br />Map Unit' <br />Soil Series Stripping Depth <br />IA horizon only) Area Stripped <br />lacraslt Percent of <br />Area <br />2 VD Routt Loam 20 - 48 inches 198 55 <br />2 VF Routt Loam 20 - 48 inches 7 2 <br />66 D Skylick loam 18 - 31 inches 35 10 <br />68 C Unnamed sandy Loam 5 - 24 inches 70 19 <br />X8F Winevade-Splitro Complex 7 - 15 inches 51 14 <br />' As shown on soil survey map in Appendix D 361 100 <br />= Approximate acreages calculated by superimposing disturbed area boundary on undated soils map <br />found in Appendix B. Acreages may not match disturbed area boundaries due to map distortion <br />and boundary accuracy limitations. <br />All topsoil stockpiles were seeded with quick growing annual and perennial plant species during <br />the first favorable conditions for seeding. Prior to use for reclamation, all topsoil was tested by a <br />qualified laboratory to determine nutrient or amendment requirements in order to support <br />adequate plant growth. Topsoiled areas were also tested prior to seeding. Routine soil analyses <br />included pH, salts, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron and texture. <br />• Fertilizer recommendations obtained from the soil tests were followed and applied during <br />seeding in the spring and fall. Topsoil locations prior to final reclamation aze shown on Map 1. <br />During final mine reclamation, topsoil was replaced to an average depth of 21 inches pursuant to <br />HGCC commitments made in January 1985 and accepted by the MLRD via letter of 1/21/1988. <br />7"2-63 4/'f~96 <br />~~._. .k 2.05-6 )l~ss~96 svem~r,•ni_ <br />