2010-11-16_REVISION - C1981008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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...It is also important to note that the capability class of Ile hest captures. the properties. advantages. and [imitations for agricultural purposes of the Barx and similar soils rather than the simple designation ol'Prime farmland... ..,there is a significance difference between Prime Farmland and its properties and -- break points" and the Capability Classification properties. parameters. and "break points" of Ile given to Barx smi I s in map unit l 4, - . _ th,2 mawrials observed in m of the piles, particularly the OBI piles- and in the reclaimed area probably would not meet the requirements and limitation thresholds for class Ile soils in the Capability Classification systern. This conclusion is based on the visual estimates made during the isit and is largelN .1 based on the amount of large rock fragments (greater than 3 v inches) observed on the surface of the reclaimed area and some ofthe piles. Soils higher capability classes (111 or greater) may have lower pc)tential and possibly reduced ) ields of agronomic crops than the Ile, Ban wails.`' Given Mr. Dearstyne's assessment Lit'material being used as -- suitable subsoil," and to address Ms. Tumer's question above It mine land reclamation rules require that Prime Farmland be reclaimed to its orlj;inal condition which existed pr ier to mining t han tine' to il ri _ ha h pso replacement material and methods bei ng used and proposed in Permit R e% 1, I o n ;46 % I d not meet soil criteria established for Land Capability Classification Ile, which barx soil falls into. I - hrerefore-� i t is M RC S recommendation that the fol process for subso I I and topsai replacement be considered on the 51 acres under question At least 21 inches of mixed topsoil. or lift A topsoil. of Barx origin be placed over at least 19 inches of Barx subsoil (lift B) or similar inaterial. to create a Land Capability Classification Ile soil with a minimum soil depth of 40 inches. This minimum 40 inches of Barx or similar soil is to overlay 14 inches of Bench I Subsoil Substitute, or whatever thickness is needed. to provide a total mininium combined soil thickness of 5g inches. Reclaimed slopes are not to exceed 3°- and rock picking will be- required after placement and ripping of any Bench I Subsoil Substitute material and before placement of Barx subsoil or topsoil, This soil replacement process must occur on at least 70% of the 51 acres in question. This soil replacement rCCOrT)111CI1,JLLL'10I1 sets the absolute minimum limits nec"sary to return the Barx Soil to its original Land Capabilil (Aassification of lie. The Barx soil is a very agriculturally productive sail because: of its chemical and physical propk:r1 primarily: depth greater than or equal to 40 Inches. IlCaT zero rock 1ragment percentage- 11CZLr neutral pH, low salt content, and well draining texture. Thank you for your considerat of these matters. Sincerely. 15-r Jim Boyd, NRCS Resource Conservationist -attachments Tuesday, November 16, 2010.max