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structures and grade these areas to approximate original contour. Topsoil will be <br />spread on these areas followed by seeding and mulching. <br />Topsoil <br />Topsoil stripping depths and recoveries varied at the mine site and loadout. This is due <br />to the previous pre-law mining disturbances and subsequent loss of topsoil, coupled <br />with the presence of a rocky sub-strata "B" horizon, consisting primarily of cobbles and <br />unconsolidated colluvial/alluvial outwash materials. Topsoil recovery has been from 0-1 <br />foot as a result in some locations. In order to facilitate successful revegetation, EFCI <br />prepared the disturbed areas for seeding by ripping the regraded facilities area to a <br />depth of 2 to 3 feet prior to topsoil replacement. Sufficient topsoil was retained for final <br />reclamation of the ponds on the mine site and loadout. <br />EFCI also utilized direct replacement or live-handling of topsoil where practical. In live <br />handling, the "A" horizon is separated from the "B" horizon (subsoil). The common <br />practice was, as the footprint of the refuse disposal pile proceeded westward, to strip <br />the topsoil and carry it to the top of the refuse pile where it was placed over the subsoil <br />material which had been graded over the refuse lift. The mine is permitted for a <br />permanent topsoil pile atop the refuse area. This topsoil pile is designated M-4. <br />In the 1997 Midterm review, a deficiency of topsoil material was noted. Consequently, <br />EFCI included the Newlin Creek topsoil stockpile into its permit area. The Newlin Creek <br />topsoil stockpile was a remaining topsoil stockpile from the reclamation of the adjacent <br />Newlin Creek Mine. This topsoil was used to complete topsoiling at the Southfield <br />Mine. <br />Revegetation <br />Revegetation techniques for reclamation of the mine site are covered in Section 2.04.10 <br />of the permit application and have been approved by the Division. EFCI used both a <br />temporary and a permanent seed mix. The temporary seed mix was used in areas that <br />were to be re-disturbed in the future and offered prevention against significant erosion. <br />In the fall of 2002, following final reclamation of the site, EFCI seeded the site with a <br />cover crop. Permanent seeding was performed in the fall of 2003. The seeded areas <br />were then mulched and crimped. EFCI has seeded the disturbed areas with a <br />permanent seed mix that has been approved by the Division and can be found in <br />Section 2.05.4, page 21 R of the permit application. Both drill and broadcast seeding <br />methods were used at the site to re-establish vegetation. <br />Shrub and tree saplings have been planted on the refuse pile with limited success due <br />to deer and elk foraging on the tender transplants. EFCI has planted shrub clumps on <br />the reclaimed area (see Map 33 - Southfield Reclamation Plan). Transplants have <br />included junipers, ponderosa pines, skunkbrush sumacs, red cedars, mountain <br />mahoganies and pinion pines. <br />Page 11 of 36