Laserfiche WebLink
PHASE II <br />Topsoil Replacement <br />Topsoil replacement observations recorded by Division and OSM personnel in past inspection <br />reports were reviewed (Sep-1996, Jul-1999, Jul-2001, and Mar-2005), as well as Annual <br />Reclamation Reports submitted by the operator. Map R-4 was provided with the application, <br />showing topsoil replacement depths measured on a 465' x 465' grid. Average topsoil <br />replacement depths by Phase II bond release area are as follows: <br />Area Type <br />Area 1 IP <br />Area 2 (West) IP <br />Area 2 (East) IP <br />Area 3 DP <br />Area 4 DP <br />Area 5 (West) IP <br />Area 5 (East) IP <br />Area 6 IP <br />Avg. Reported Depth <br />Not measured <br />2.11 feet <br />1.76 feet <br />2.2 feet <br />1.26 feet <br />1.25 feet <br />3.50 feet <br />1.42 feet <br />Required Depth <br />8-12" Mixed <br />25" A; 12-24" B <br />6" A; 12" B <br />8-12" Mixed <br />11-15" A; 12-24" B <br />8-12" Mixed <br />12-18" A; 12-24" B <br />11-15" A; 12-24" B <br />During the bond release inspection, one sample hole was dug on the Staats parcel, with Mr. <br />Staats present, to verify that the required 8-12 inch minimum topsoil replacement depth was <br />achieved. Topsoil depth in the sample hole was at least 18 inches, which exceeds the approved <br />thickness for that location. <br />Reve etation <br />• Area 1 (corresponding approximately to Phase I Area 2) was backfilled and graded in 1995, <br />and seeded in 1997. The postmining land use is Irrigated Pasture (IP) and the vegetative <br />cover is well established. <br />• Area 2 has also been reclaimed as IP. At the time of the inspection, the season's second <br />cutting of hay had recently occurred, and hay on some parcels had been windrowed for <br />baling. Vegetative cover was thick across this area, with composition somewhat variable <br />based on zones that have experienced differential settlement over the years of irrigation, and <br />perhaps variations in topsoil. The reclaimed San Miguel Draw bisects Area 2, and the <br />southeastern corner of the area is crossed by the reclaimed Krill Draw. Both draws are well <br />vegetated, and flow to Pond 007. <br />• Area 3 is Dryland Pasture (DP). The vegetative cover is sufficient to support the approved <br />postmining land use, and meets the approved success standard for DP. The reclaimed Krill <br />Draw and Krill Draw West Lateral occupy 1.30 acres of this area, and drain to Pond 007. <br />• Area 4 is also DP. Vegetation is visually sparse, but meets the approved success standard. <br />• Area 5, the parcel owned by Mr. Staats, supports an IP postmining land use. Mr. Staats <br />joined the DRMS and WFC personnel at the office, and participated in the field inspection of <br />his property. The second cutting of hay, a blend of grass and alfalfa, was finished the week <br />prior to the inspection. Dominant grasses are smooth brome and orchard grass. Some very <br />10