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March 29, 2011 C-1981-008/New Horizon Mine MLT <br />the baseline soil survey was used. <br />SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF MINING - Rules 4.22 through 4.27: <br />Prime Farmland - Section 4.25 <br />• The Lift A and Lift B stockpiles on the Morgan property have continued to grow westward <br />over time. There were no topsoil salvage and hauling operations occurring at the time of the <br />inspection. <br />• During the previous (Feb-2010) inspection, the Division noted that the predominant cover on <br />the slopes of the Lift A and Lift B stockpiles was annual weed species. During the current <br />inspection, we saw that many of last year's weed skeletons had been burned off. The <br />operator is studying options for seeding the piles this year. It may be done by hand <br />broadcasting. <br />• On the slopes of the Lift B pile, angular blocks of sandstone and chunks of calcareous <br />material are not uncommon. The source for these blocks appears to be zones of cemented <br />sand and calcareous zones found within the in-situ Lift B subsoil. <br />• The Lift A stockpile is a deep, reddish brown color. Sideslopes of the stockpile are nearly <br />devoid of rocks. Those few rocks that can be seen are isolated, and appear to have been <br />incorporated during the handling process (Photo 14). <br />• Topsoil replacement Zone 2 includes areas occupied by topsoil stockpiles and areas of <br />prepared Bench 1 Suitable Subsoil across which topsoil has not yet been distributed. The <br />B 1 SS located SE of the Lift B pile has been previously ripped (by bulldozer) on a 6-foot <br />spacing (Photo 15). Zone 2 located east of the Lift A pile did not appear to have been ripped. <br />TOPSOIL - Rule 4.06 <br />• Removal 4.06.2; Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4); Storage and Protection 4.06.3; Redistribution <br />4.06.4: <br />Four topsoil stockpiles are located in the southeastern end of the permit area, south of the <br />mine facilities. The piles were constructed in the initial phases of mining at N112. In the <br />permit, the stockpiles are identified on Map 2.05.4-9. The largest pile, Stockpile H, consists <br />of "Lift A" topsoil and is well vegetated with desirable species, including crested wheat grass <br />and Russian wild rye (Photo 16). The remaining three piles, C, D and E, are "Mixed" <br />topsoil, and the quality of cover is less desirable. Annual weeds form the largest component. <br />In order to minimize any potential adverse impacts once the topsoil is redistributed, <br />Stockpiles C, D and E must be included in weed control efforts conducted at the New <br />Horizon Mine. <br />• An elongated stockpile of "Mixed" topsoil has been constructed N-S on the Lloyd property <br />(Photo 10). <br />DOCUMENTS RECEIVED: None <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 6 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 Page 6 of 16