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TOPSOZLZNG: Topsoil is removed as a unit to maximum depth. As indicated in the soils exhibit there are no hazardous areas in the soil that would be detrimental to the revegation. The soild is deep and a considerable quantity is acquired. The soil is usually stockpiled on areas where it will be used. The duration of the stockpiling is variable. Once mining and reclamation can be fully coordin- • ated with respect to timing, stockpiling may, in some cases, be unnecessary using a simple carryback system. Usually however, topsoil will be stored for a year and perhaps two before redistribution. Zn the event storage is needed for more than a year, the stockpiles will be planted with the topsoil stabilization seed mixture listed in the Revegetation Section of this plan. Generally, topsoil removal will occur on only as much land as is needed to be mined in the coming year. This amount of land stripping will vary depending upon an ticipatod material demand, the amount of stripped land remaining from previous mining activity, and the amount of soil needed to perform the reclama- tion work required to stay within the approved acreage quantity for the moderate • disturbance category. Rehandling of topsoil, other than to permanently locate it on affected land, should not generally occur. There may be instances when some soil needs to be moved to make room for operations. All efforts will be taken to avoid this rehandling as it further damages the soil and considerably elevates mine opera- t:ion costs. When replacing the topsoil, the graded surface will be left rough enough to prevent any slippage. On slopes, the final grading, where possible, will be across the slope so as to create a series of ridges against which any slippage must operate. This process should help create a stable soil medium capable of crrowth without significant disturbances due to slumping. When replacing soil on slopes, it will also be extensively roughened in a direction perpendicular to the slope. This will help control erosion and • provide many areas where seed can collect and grow most rapidly under enhanced moisture regime conditions. Replacement of topsoil will be to a minimum depth of 6" on alI areas. Often much more can and will be replaced, but that minimum will be adhered to in alI cases. Replacement will be done with scrapers. Fertilization will occur in accordance with the Revegetation Plan. REVEGETATION: Revegetation, the final step in the reclamation process, should be relatively easy as the soils are of good quality. However, the generally dry conditions of this area may well hinder rapid development, something that cannot be easily overcome with anything short of irrigation which in an area of intense variability in precipitation is ecologically undesirable. • After distribution of topsoil and before seeding, fertilizer will be spread at the rate of 30 pounds each of nitrogen and phosphorous per acre. This is a general fertilizer application rate that may be modified according to particular conditions such as the addition of mulches, slope characteristics, etc. The vegetation growth itself is the best indicator of fertilizer needs. Zf growth is slow and vegetative signs indicate certain mineral deficiencies, -3-