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Nitrogen can undergo several transformations in the biosolid <br /> handling and application program developed for the Climax Mine. <br /> Incorporation of a carbon source decreases percent nitrogen by <br /> volume and stimulates microbial activity that consumes nitrogen <br /> as the carbon is used in cell construction. Additional nitrogen <br /> may be lost through ammonia volatilization. Denitrification can <br /> further deplete nitrogen content of the material through <br /> microbially mediated transformations of ammonium to nitrite, <br /> nitrate, and nitrogen gas. Nitrogen can also be bound in organic <br /> matter in plant unavailable forms. Any composted biosolid is <br /> therefore likely to perform more like a fertile soil than a <br /> fertilizer. <br /> Literature Review <br /> The literature contains many examples of improved reclamation <br /> using sewage sludge as a soil amendment. Brown (1976) , and Brown <br /> and Jackson (1984) reported 10 to 20 tons per acre of <br /> anaerobically digested sewage sludge (2-3% N) applied over 30 <br /> tons per acre wood chips produced optimal plant growth at the <br /> Urad tailings (elevation 10,400 feet) in central Colorado. <br /> Personal communication with Brown (1995) indicates that 20 tons <br /> per acre remains the suggested application rate 20 years after <br /> the initial application. Maintenance applications, he indicated, <br /> are required for several years afterward. Other research in arid <br /> climates (Fresquez, et al. 1990) and in the northern rockies <br /> (Vodehnal, 1993) found similar response using directly applied <br /> sewage sludge and composted biosolids respectively. <br /> At the Climax Mine, vegetation cover in response to biosolids is <br /> 1. 5 to 2 .5 greater than chemical fertilizer treatments at rates <br /> ranging from 20 to 40 tons per acre (Berg et al. 1986) seven <br /> years following initial treatment. One time applications above <br /> this amount may result in excessive salt contributions that may <br /> adversely effect plant growth (Topper and Sabey, 1986) . Sewage <br /> sludge application raises soil temperature and moderates humidity <br /> differences between leaf and atmosphere (Grossnickle and Reid, <br /> 1984) thereby preventing plant dessication. Skousen (1988) <br /> applied 35 dry tons of municipal biosolids per acre in a high <br /> rainfall zone in West Virginia and determined that plant cover <br /> and biomass improved while metals in the biosolids did not affect <br /> vegetation or migrate into water supplies. Similar results were <br /> reported by Melchert et al. (1994) . for mine tailings in Northern <br /> Minnesota. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> Climax intends to continue to develop a program whereby <br /> municipally generated biosolids can be transported to the Climax <br /> Mine for use as a soil amendment in reclamation and revegetation <br /> of high elevation disturbances. This effort, contemplated by the <br /> original Climax Reclamation Permit, can provide suitable topsoil <br /> for pending reclamation of the Robinson Tailing Pond, and future <br /> reclamation of areas throughout the Climax Property. Climax will <br />