2010-05-25_REVISION - C1981008 (28)

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4.0 Revegetation Methods - Irrigated Pasture and Irrigated Cropland The majority of the revegetated areas will be returned to a postmining land use of irrigated pasture including lands within the permit area which have not been disturbed, but which have had irrigation water shut -off in order to better control and manage surface and ground water within the mine area during operations. These latter lands occur in the south and north portion of the proposed permit expansion area. Topsoil replacement operations may be carried out during most of the year, the exception being those periods when wet conditions would preclude handling of the topsoil materials. Prior to replacement of topsoil, the graded spoil will be ripped to reduce compaction. Detailed topsoil handling and replacement plans are provided in Section 2.05.4(2)(d), Topsoil (Redistribution). The optimum seeding season for establishment of irrigated pasture is during the spring as early as soil moisture conditions allow for tillage and seeding operations. As a result of irrigation, seeding may be carried out as late as July 15. This will allow for a 75 -90 day growing season, enough time to establish an adequate stand capable of over - wintering. Fall dormant seedings may be made into annual grain stubble if the potential for competition from established weedy species is not great. t stabilization period a less th... o During initial seeding of all irrigated lands. (IC) and (F) with the permanent seed mix an annual grain cover crop of used, SeedietixM oats or barley will be used at the rate of 25 Ibs per acre This will provide rapid growth so little topsoil is lost to erosion while at the same time providing some nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. This Practice will help rejuvenate soils that have been in stockpiles for long periods of time By implementing this practice the practice f adding manure to these it will not be implemented At times, the size or shape of the retopsoiled areas and shape of the reclaimed area in relation to a management unit may be insufficient to warrant establishment of the perennial irrigated pasture species initially. When this occurs, and the period before establishment of permanent irrigated pasture will extend beyond a year, Seed Mix #3 - Temporary Reclamation, will be used. This mix will provide interim stabilization as well as organic matter benefits when incorporated during tillage and seedbed preparation prior to seeding of the irrigated pasture seed mixes. PR -06 May 2010 2.05.4(2)(e) • 16