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Species and Seeding Rates <br />Northfield will use a specific seed mixture for permanent establishment <br />of vegetation at the mine facility and adjacent areas. The mixture will <br />include predominately native species that will be effective for <br />reestablishing vegetation and adapting to the local area of the mine <br />disturbance. Factors considered in selecting species to be included in <br />the seed mixture include natural plant occurrence at the existing site <br />from baseline vegetation data, ease of plant establishment, <br />adaptability, value as browse for wildlife and domestic animals, and <br />the contribution to vegetative diversity. The selected seed mixture will <br />provide a self sustaining vegetative cover which will prevent erosion <br />and have sufficient diversity to ensure the long -term stability of the <br />vegetative cover. <br />All proposed mining disturbance situates on property owned by the <br />Chandler Creek Companies. This landowner has requested, in writing, <br />that only grasses and forbs be replanted on their lands to ensure that <br />the area is reclaimed to its highest potential as grazing land (Exhibit <br />AK). The proposed permanent seed mixture, defined for the Chandler <br />Creek Companies property, is designed to achieve the desired <br />reclamation for the property. The proposed permanent seed mixture <br />and seeding rate is shown below on Table 2.05.4 -2; the proposed <br />temporary seed mixture and seeding rate is shown on Table 2.05.4 -3. <br />Northfield will purchase seed and all other materials utilized for <br />revegetation activities from qualified suppliers that provide quality <br />products. The seed and other materials will be inspected prior to use to <br />ensure that the materials meet required specifications. Seed will be <br />examined to determine proper species percentages, purity, and <br />guaranteed germination rates. Prior to seeding, seeding rates will be <br />reviewed to match seeding requirements for each reclamation parcel. <br />Planting and Seeding Methods <br />Three different seeding methods are proposed to be utilized dependent <br />on the configuration and nature of reclaimed areas. Drill seeding, <br />broadcast seeding, and hydroseeding may be employed for activities. <br />Drill seeding with a conventional rangeland drill will be utilized for most <br />of the reclamation work. Drill seeding will be accomplished at the rate <br />specified on the proposed seed mixture table. The drill will be operated <br />along the contour to the extent possible to create contour line features <br />that will interrupt and slow surface runoff to minimize the potential for <br />rill and gully erosion. <br />2.05.4 -9 Revised 11/05/07 <br />