2009-06-18_PERMIT FILE - C1981018A (6)

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Reverse sequence soil handling will be practiced on the refuse areas to reduce the cheatgrass dominance unless a field trial result demonstrates that an alternative approach is more appropriate. Additional studies to identify the factors controlling the site-specific dominance of cheatgrass will be undertaken. The first phase of the studies will include the collection and analysis of soils from sites with and without cheatgrass problems. The second phase will include actual test plots. As presently envisioned, these plots will include treatment of 1) subsoil over topsoil and 2) `internal' topsoil over subsoil. Plots will be constructed during the next available cycle of refuse pit reclamation currently anticipated for the fall of 2012. Other treatments not requiring soil placement may be tested prior to the next cycle of refuse pit reclamation. The first phase involving soil testing will be initiated a minimum of one year prior to test plot construction on the refuse pits. Should direct handling of soils occur it would be appropriate to place topsoil on the surface in a customary manner provided the topsoil's origin is from an area which supports little or no cheatgrass. Prior to stripping, such areas would be delineated in the field for such designated use. Within the refuse area the soils with the deepest topsoils tend to have the most cheatgrass. Thus, it is anticipated that customary sequencing of soil placement will be limited. In cases where soils are stockpiled the quantity of cheatgrass susceptible and non-susceptible topsoils will be evaluated. If the quantity is sufFcient to warrant separate handling and additional disturbance for the stockpile they will be stored separately. Otherwise, these topsoils will not receive special handling. The thickness of the topsoil/subsoil layers will not be affected due to the reversing of the placement sequence. V.I. Revegetation • The following sections (V.I and V.J) describe procedures to be followed for revegetation. The revegetation plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to fine-tune the revegetation plan to optimize its performance. V.1.1 Introduction The objective of the revegetation program is to return the land disturbed by mining activities to an equivalent or higher functional value for its assigned postmining land use. The postmining land use in this case will be livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Interim and permanent revegetation of the following mine facility categories covered in this section include: a. roadways and other types of vehicle access b. operations support facilities c. mine waste disposal areas d. conveyor corridor facilities e. temporary use and laydown areas The reclamation plan accounts for the replacement of topsoil or other growth media and revegetation of all areas disturbed by the above types of facilities, excepting the areas listed below: a. Rock cuts having slopes steeper than 1.3:1 b. Open water and water courses c. Roadways and other access areas intended for use in the postmining period • Technical Revision #65 (4/2008) V-29