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• <br />proposed dryland pasture reclamation to yield a level of forage production that is 242.4 percent <br />higher than the current dryland pasture areas, is consistent with the requirements of Rule <br />4.16.1(2) which mandates that the lands be reclaimed "to higher or better uses." <br />WFC current reclamation operations are implemented with a nearly consistent approach to <br />reclamation for all reclaimed areas, whether they are irrigated or dryland pasture sites. <br />Therefore, the following language will be added to permit section 2.05.5 which addresses the <br />potential of existing irrigated pasture vegetation areas and land uses to be reclaimed to a <br />condition best described as an "improved/irrigable" post - mining land use. The specifics of this <br />approach as currently approved in the NH2 Mine Permit are as follows: <br />Converted Irrigated Pasture to Dryland Pasture Seedbed Topsoil Preparation Procedures <br />a) For areas less than 15% slope, where irrigation may be used in the future if water becomes <br />available, the following procedures will be followed: <br />1- Ripping - Prior to replacement of the single lift topsoil, the graded spoil (Bench 1 material) <br />will be ripped to reduce compaction. This will be done to a depth of 2 feet. This will be done by <br />dozer with rippers or a chisel plow. <br />2 - Land leveling - WFC will use a mechanical device such as a Vermeer rock picker that is <br />pulled behind a tractor that rakes up large rocks over approximately 4 -6 inches in diameter. <br />Rocks up to 12" diameter are picked up by the device. The rocks are removed from the field. <br />3 -Rock picking - WFC will use a mechanical device such as a Vermeer rock picker that is pulled <br />behind a tractor that rakes up large rocks over approximately 4 -6 inches in diameter. Rocks up to <br />12" diameter are picked up by the device. The rocks are removed from the field. <br />4 - Fertility testing - This test is conducted within 3 months of topsoil placement. Three soil <br />samples will be obtained from the top 2 feet of soil in the field to be tested. The field is basically <br />defined as that area that has recently been topsoiled. Samples will be taken and analyzed by a lab <br />using the standard soil test for organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. The lab <br />will be informed that the land use is dryland pasture with a mixture of grasses and forbs. <br />5 - Disking and chisel plowing - Prior to final seedbed preparation, soil conditioning and weed <br />control tillage will be carried out through the use of chisel plowing and disking. Chisel plowing <br />will relieve any topsoil compaction, will aid in controlling weedy species, and will leave the site <br />in a temporary toughened condition reducing wind and water erosion potential. Disking will be <br />used to condition soil, break up clods, and control weeds through tillage prior to seeding. If <br />annual weeds are a problem, several tillage operations may be required to get adequate control. <br />6. Final Seedbed Preparation - Harrowing and cultipacking prior to seeding will be conducted as <br />needed in order to provide the smooth, firm seedbed required. In any areas that may be poorly <br />drained, tillage will be timed in order to reduce bogging, excessive compaction and excessive <br />cloddiness caused by tillage when soils are wet. The best period for tillage in these areas may be <br />in the early spring prior to the irrigation season (prior to mid - April). <br />7. Initial Fertilizer Application - Based on the results of the fertility testing, fertilizer of the <br />designed type will be applied at the rate specified from the lab testing. The fertilizer is in solid <br />Section 2.05.5 Page 7 April 2011 <br />