2012-10-29_PERMIT FILE - M2012045 (6)

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(5) Ensure the establishment of a diverse and long- lasting vegetative cover: In those areas where vegetation will be established, the site will be prepared to provide the best chance for the selected plant species becoming established. As stated above, the landowner will not allow grazing. All tillage, seeding and mulching operations will be preformed across the slope when practical and/or not a hazard to equipment or operators. Following is what the local NRCS Field Office recommends: Seedbed Preparation: The seedbed will be well settled and firm, but friable enough that the seed can be drilled at the recommended depth. Soils that have been compacted by traffic or other equipment will be tilled (deep - chiseled or ripped if necessary) to break up restrictive or compacted layers, and then harrowed and rolled or packed to prepare the required firm seedbed. If the seed is to be broadcast seeded, then the seedbed will be settled and fairly firm, but left rough enough to catch the seed and allow some coverage by soil when tracked in by equipment or harrowed and packed into the soil surface. Seedbed preparation when the soil is wet will be avoided in order to prevent seedbed compaction. Seeding: Seed planting depth will be less than one inch. Drill row spacing will not exceed 12 inches. Seeding will be accomplished with a grass drill. Broadcast seeding will be used where slopes are considered unsafe for equipment and /or operators or in areas not accessible for drilling. When seed is broadcast, it will be broadcast at double the drill seed rate. As stated above, broadcast seeding will be appropriately worked into the soil surface. According to NRCS recommendation, seeding may occur between November 1 and April 30 No seeding will occur on frozen soil. Mulch: Seeded areas will be mulched. Grass hay or cereal grain straw that is weed free will be used. Approximately 2 tons of mulch per acre will be applied to seeded areas. The mulch will be anchored with either a commercial product, or mechanically. If anchored mechanically, the mulch will be crimped 2 -3 inches into the soil and care will be taken to ensure that the mulch is not severed, to the extent practicable. (6) Methods of weed control: If noxious weeds invade the site, a weed control program will be implemented as soon as possible. A portion of the reclamation cost will be devoted to this item. Please see Appendix II for the weed management plan. (7) Fire lanes and access roads: Not applicable, it will not be necessary to construct fire lanes or access roads for planting. (8) Delays to the revegetation process on selected areas: It is understood by the Operator /Applicant that planting required for reclamation may be delayed, through the period of use related to places of refuse disposal, haul roads and road cuts. All applicable industry stabilization standards for such areas will be used. The Operator /Applicant is aware that no planting is required on the following areas: (a) On any affected land being used or proposed for the deposit or disposal of refuse until after the cessation of operations for productive use of such refuse. (b) On lands proposed for future mining. (c) Within depressed haulage roads or final cuts while such roads or final cuts are being used or made. (d) Where permanent pools or lakes have been formed. (e) On any affected land so long as the chemical and physical characteristics of the surface and immediately underlying materials of such affected land are toxic, deficient in plant nutrients, or composed of sand, gravel, and cannot feasibly be remedied by chemical treatment, fertilization, replacement of overburden, or like measures.