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RECLAMATION PLAN <br />level of just the topsoil. This depth of soil has been used on the existing reclamation and has <br />produced excellent growth. <br />On the pit bottom a different environment is created that does not require as much soil. <br />Nevertheless, all soil salvage that is remaining after topsoiling the slopes will be spread over the <br />pit bottom. Because the pit bottom will likely have a less uniform final topography, soil thickness <br />will necessarily vary more. Small hollows may receive a foot of soil while higher areas may <br />receive only a few inches. This is not viewed as a problem because moisture available for <br />supporting the vegetation will be much higher on the pit bottom. Thus, when using alfalfa, soil <br />depth is less important due to a more readily available moisture source. <br />Fertilizer will not be applied or blended into the soil. It is well known that alfalfa, when <br />grown in a nitrogen rich environment, does not fix as much nitrogen as it does in a more nitrogen <br />deficient environment. Not fertilizing when establishing alfalfa as the primary vegetation in a <br />drastically disturbed land reclamation situation ultimately produces a better soil than is produced <br />when fertilizer is added at the time of planting. <br />Revegetation <br />Revegetation of the site will be accomplished using 15 pounds Pure Live Seed per acre of <br />alfalfa, drill seeded. On Apri121, 1997, this approach was approved by the Division by means of <br />a technical revision. Since that time, revegetation in this way has shown excellent success. <br />Grasses tend to invade areas planted to only alfalfa and with the haulback approach to topsoiling, <br />when that is possible, excellent growth of both alfalfa and existing grass species should occur. <br />When soil is derived from stockpiles, the benefit of rapid replacement of the grass component is <br />greatly reduced, but it still occurs. It is the plan to continue this type of revegetation that has been <br />so successful in the past. This approach is highly compatible with the desires of the landowner <br />and the future use of this land. <br />- ----- <br />Miller Gravel Pit Amendment (2007) Exhibit E Page 3 of 4 <br />