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Rimrock Exploration & Development, Inc. <br />J-Bird Uranium Mine/ DMO/ EPP Plant Growth Medium (Soils <br />17.0 PLANT GROWTH MEDIUM (SOILS) <br />Extensive surface disturbance occurred at the Mine site prior to HB-08-1161. Plant <br />Growth Medium background studies were not required for the 110(2) permit and <br />scientific topsoil depths and salvage volumes were not calculated. Exhibit B of the <br />original Limited Impact Operation 110(2) Reclamation Permit Application package does <br />provide a description of the vegetation and soil characteristics in the area of proposed <br />operations. Exhibit C (1)(b) and Exhibit D (1)(a)(c) of the 110(2) Permit Application <br />estimates depth to which soil, suitable as a plant growth medium will be salvaged for use <br />in the reclamation process and seeding as needed to prevent erosion. A letter attachment <br />from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Resources Conservation Service <br />(MRCS) details methodology of reclamation recommendations associated with topsoiling <br />and revegetation. The BLM EA from November 2006 provides pre-disturbance site <br />photos. A soils survey map is provided in Figure 3 and is consistent with the original <br />Exhibit B, however Exhibit B is more detailed. Additional soils information in tabular <br />form generated from the NRCS data base is provided in Attachment G. Representative <br />soil samples will be analyzed from the current Plant Growth Medium (PGM) Stockpile to <br />estimate current soil nutrient characteristics. If the PGM is determined to be unsuitable <br />for native plant growth, soil amendment and or fertilizer recommendations will be <br />pursued. As the site is developed, all organic material will be stockpiled on-site. Prior to <br />reclamation, the material will be converted to mulch for reuse at time of revegetation. <br />Reclamation will be ongoing. Disturbed areas will be reclaimed using methods and <br />techniques consistent with NRCS local office guidelines (MRCS Letter Attachment 110(2) <br />28