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2. Topsoil Replacement <br />The topsoil that is salvaged and wash fines will be placed on the islands of overburden to create <br />areas that will be able to grow grasses. If the topsoil and wash fines were replaced over the entire <br />disturbed areas, an average thickness of less than 3 inches would be placed. This amount of <br />topsoil and wash fines would not grow grasses in this dry environment as it is shown in the <br />vegetation pictures which are included in Exhibit J. The 3 inches of topsoil and wash fines on top <br />of the sandstone would not be enough for the plants to survive the hot dry periods, since the <br />rooting depth is so shallow. Concentrating the topsoil to produce 6-12 inches over 40.71 acres on <br />the topsoil islands and pit floor will allow portions of the land to have good vegetation while the <br />remainder will be sandstone. The bare sandstone that will be left after mining will be similar to <br />the bare sandstone ledges that are common in the area. Additionally the islands will be placed to <br />collect runoff and trap it in the subsoil where the grasses can access the water. <br />3. Haul Roads and Access <br />The access road will head northeast from the facilities area where it will intersect with Highway <br />141 This access road will not be reclaimed at the end of mining to allow access through the site. <br />The access road will be a graveled road approximately 24 feet wide. <br />4. Reclamation Timetable <br />The timetable for reclamation is shown below in Table E-2. Reclamation Timetable Exhibit L: <br />Reclamation Costs describes the worst case bond scenario. <br />Craig Ranch Pit, March 2011 E-2