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described in Tabs 17 and 18. Approximately 21.5 acre-feet of suitable soil is present <br />within this map unit (Table 19-3). • <br />Topsoil shell be replaced along the contour, whenever feasible, [o mfnimi ze potential <br />erosion end topsoil slippage problems. This practice will be discontinued on steep slopes <br />where the safety of the equipment operator is in jeopardy. <br />Yhenever practical, the salvaged topsail will be immediately transported to leveled <br />bac kfill areas end placed on the final graded surface. The direct heuL method is <br />economically desirable and also maintains a high topsoil quality by a direct transfer of <br />viable seeds, roots, and micro-organisms critical to plant nutrient relationships; reduced <br />compaction; better preserved structure; increase aeration; end stable nutrient status. <br />Topsoil will not be handled when saturated either during the initial stripping, <br />respreading, or final grading. Handling sticky or plastic soils in a saturated state <br />would reduce the quality of the topsoil be degrading the physical characterisCics and <br />filth of the soil. A hard, compacC surface layer would result, which would reduce or <br />inhibit seed germination, seedling root establishment, end air and water penetration. Most • <br />of the topsoil material recommentled for salvage has a clay loam or silty clay loam soil <br />texture which has moderate consistency Limitations (Tab 9, Soil Resources), Subsoil and <br />substratum materiels consist predominantly of clay end weathered shale both of which have <br />severe consistency limitations (Tab 6, Geology, and Tab 9, Soil Resources). <br />Specific protective measures will be employed to minimize wind and eater erodihility of <br />replaced topsoil. Such measures will include rapid establishment of vegetation, cover <br />cropping, and mulching, when necessary. Stabilization measures are described in more <br />detail in the Revegetetion Plan, Teb 20. Stable postmine slopes will be designed to <br />minimize sediment runoff end gullying. Postmine contours, shown on Exhibit 18-2, <br />Postmining Topography, and designs are discussed in further detail in Tab 18, gackfilling <br />and Grading and Teb 14, Probable Hydrologic Consequences. Seeding the topsoil stockpiles <br />with an annual grain cover crop or native grasses and fortis, including vigorous rooting <br />and nitrogen fixing plants such as alfalfa, will be done to prevent erosion and also to <br />improve the fertility and physical tilth of the soil. The seed mixture, seeding method, <br />end seeding rate for topsoil stockpiles is described in the Revegetation Plan, Tab 20, <br />and the Topsoil Storage section of this tab. The topsoil removal area at any one time • <br />shall be minimized to prevent both wind end water erosion. <br />8 Revised 03/01/93 <br />