2010-01-21_PERMIT FILE - M2009082 (11)

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floodplain functions. This plan is in harmony with the goals of the 1998 Greeley Open Space System Plan associated with wetlands, riparian areas and floodplains. • Wetlands created may become part of a wetland bank for the property to offset wetland impacts on other LaFarge projects. • Wetlands created for nesting waterfowl will contain shallow open water (6-9") and gentle slopes (8:1). Shorelines will be irregular and gently sloping to maximize wetland growth and maintenance and provide suitable habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl. • Mining operations will be phased with reclamation occurring concurrently. However, some indigenous species may be temporarily displaced by the proposed mining activities. Please see Exhibit H for additional wildlife information. Topsoiling Topsoils in the proposed mine areas are predominantly Aquoll and Aquents, Colombo clay loam, Bankard sandy loam, Kim loam, Nunn clay loam, Otero sandy loam and Olney fine sandy loam. All suitable soil material will be salvaged for topsoil replacement. Topsoil will be replaced, where required, in reclaimed areas at a depth of a minimum of ten to twelve inches. The topsoil will be segregated and stored separately from the overburden material as required by Rule 3.1.9(1). Sufficient topsoil will be stockpiled within each phase to reclaim all disturbed areas. The mine plan map depicts the location and configuration of the topsoil berms. The berms will be protected from wind and water erosion by vegetative cover if in place more than one year. The stockpiles will be broadcast seeded (please see the Seed Mix for Upland Areas) and will be incorporated into a weed control program. Weed control consists of monthly inspections and, if necessary, chemical treatments in the applicable fall and spring seasons. Soil amendments are not expected to be required due to the nature of the soils. However, topsoil samples will be subjected to agricultural testing prior to reclamation to assess fertilizer requirements. The Soil Conservation Services (SCS) will be contacted periodically throughout reclamation for soil tests. SCS soil fertilizer recommendations, if any, will be followed. Revegetation Following topsoil replacement, reseeding will be performed according to SCS recommended practices. Based on SCS guidance for other local projects having similar surficial soils, the following revegetation procedures are anticipated • Grass seed will typically be planted in unfrozen soil between October 1 and April 30. • Grass seed will be planted with a grass drill, or where necessary, with a broadcast seeder. • The proposed seed mix and application rates in pounds of pure live seed per acre are described on the following pages. • Weed control practices will be implemented as required. • All seeded areas with the exception of silt-basin wetlands will be mulched with weed free straw mulch at a rate of 1 ton per acre and crimped to prevent erosion. • The seed mix for overflow channels will also include a fast growing cover crop to stabilize these areas until the dryland grasses can be established. Parsons Mine DRMS 112 Reclamation Permit Application Page ES of E9