_INSPECTION - C1981028 (61) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Only a small amount of ash was ungraded at the B pit where ash disposal occurs. No material from any other site has been accepted since a small amount of mine waste was accepted from a hard rock site many years ago. Topsoil The operator was laying down topsoil in a ten acre parcel to the south of the active ash disposal area in the B pit. Two feet of topsoil is applied and comprised of about 16-18 inches of topsand from stockpile A-1 and 6-8 inches of topsand from stockpile B-1. By inverting the A and B soil horizons, the operator has had better revegetation success due to the increased clay content in the B horizon that increases the moisture in the plant root zone. The material from stockpile B-1 is clearly recognizable by a yellow hue as compared to the beige- colored topsand from stockpile A- 1. The operator uses markers to assist in scraper operator in laying down the proper depth of topsoil material, as shown in the upper right photograph. After the upper layer of topsoil is applied, a layer of mulch is added in preparation for a Spring seeding of sorghum that will be followed by a Fall planting of the permanent seed mix. Revepetation The most recent land parcel of reclamation is in its second growing season and immediately south of the area of active topsoil laydown. Vegetation on this area is comprised of annual weeds and a number of species included in the permanent seed mix including Indian ricegrass, Thickspike wheatgrass, and Sideoats grama. The operator drill seeds the permanent mix into the sorghum stubble during the Fall planting. Small patches of cheatgrass were also noted. No noxious weeds were observed. Vegetative cover is excellent and provides both hydrologic cover as well as shade during hot weather periods. 4