2008-12-04_PERMIT FILE - C1994082A (15)

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Soil Replacement. Soil will be repLated only when the approved postmine contours are • achieved end when no additional disturbance is anticipated. Soil will no[ be replaced on riprapped drainage channels nor temporary reclamation sites such as haul road ditches, cut slopes and fill slopes; pond embfinkments and spillways; and diversion ditches unless needed for successful revegetation and stabilization. Temporary reclamation sites will be seeded and stabilized as described in Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. Soil will be replaced within the aforementioned areas once final reclamation is achieved. Soil will be repl.ac ed on the tut and fill slopes of Haul Road A, a permanent facility, Co ensure successful stabilizaTion from revegetation. Soil shall be replaced along the contour, whenever feasible, to minimize potential erosion and soil/spoil interface slippage problems. This practice will be discontinued on steep slopes uh ere the safety of the equipment operator is in jeopardy. Whenever practical, the salvaged soil will be immediately transported to leveled backfill areas end placed on the final graded surface. The direct haul method is economically desirable and also maintains a high topsoil quality by a direct transfer of viable seeds, roots, and micro-organisms critical to plant nutrient relationships; reduced compaction; better preserved structure; increased aeration; and stable nutrient status (Liberia, 1981; • National Academy Press, 1981). Soil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, respreadi ng, or final grading. Handling sticky or plastic soils in a saturated state would reduce the quality of the topsoil by degrading the physical characteristics and tilth of the soil. A hard, compact surface layer could result, which could reduce or inhibit seed germination, seedling root establishment, and air and water penetration. Most of [he topsoil material recommended for salvage has a sandy Loam, loam, or silt loam, soil texture which do not have severe consistency limitations (Tab 9). Wind and water erodibility are of primary concern when dealing with soil materials in this area. Several soils have high silt, fine sand, and very fine sand levels in the upper portion of the profile, which, when disturbed, ere highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. Handling and grading destroys some of the aggregate stability, further increasing erosion hazards. Because of these potential hazards, specific protective measures ere required. Such measures will include rapid establishment of vegetation, cover Cropping, and mulching, when necessary. Stabilization measures ere described in more • detail in the Revegetation Plan, Tab 22. Staple postmine slopes will be designed to minimize sediment runoff and gullying. Postmine contours, shown on Exhibit 20-2, 22 Revised 06/79/95