REP22426 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

BOETTCIIER GYPSUM QUARRY --~ffT NO. 77-346 • Page 2 (5) Type and Approximate QualitX of Fertilizers, Organic Material or Soil Con3rtioners Use3 an3l~cation. No soil conditioners were used in this planting. The soil graded onto the site was the same as the e~dsting topsoil in the area. It was felt by ranchers familiar with the area that fertilization could be detri- mental under the very dry conditions of the site. (6) Appraisals of Results of Reclamation Efforts. The sprouting of the native grass seed is very slow but minor sprouting is now visible over the majority of the area. If the 1984 season has reasonable troisture, it is felt that the seeding will develop to a stand in keeping with the sinzvunding vegetation. There has been little pro- tection of the slopes dicing the wetter-than-normal sunrer of 1983, so minor Tilling has developed. In the futLn-e, in this area of rather se- vere growing conditions, Ideal would like to try less grass seed and unre of a cover crop of fast growing annuals such as oats or wild rye and then let the natural seeding of the native grasses crowd out the cover crop. This would give quicker protection to the soil ~sid also lessen the mechanical difficulties of seeding a mixtin-e of such dispar- ate grass seeds. The disturbed areas are small, and the sunbtmding grassy areas would contribute enough seed for natural regeneration. (7) Estimates and Location and Number of Acres to be Affected in the Condnq Year. When the Boettcher cement plant resures operation, it is estis~ted that the gypsum production necessary will disturb less than one (]_) acre per year. The approximate location of the start of mining is shcnart an the map in yellow. The total disturbance by the end of the year, including road, will be on the order of 16 acres, well below the 40 afi_ected acres presently bonded at $38,000.00. No change in bonding is indicated. ~n• ~~~w P. E. Thomsen, P.E. Senior Mining Engineer PET: jep