2013-02-22_REVISION - M1984094 (7)

Home Browse Search

Section 5.0 Topsoil Removal and Stockpiling Much of the site was disturbed over a century ago and no topsoil was salvaged from this opera- tion. Since the operation was permitted in 1984, two topsoil piles have been created. One is lo- cated north of the mine access road in the center of the property. This is called Topsoil Stockpile #1 and is approximately 0.33 acres and 12 feet high with slopes of 2.5H:1 V. This pile contains approximately 4200 cubic yards. Topsoil Stockpile #2 is located east of the living trailers and is 0.34 acres in size with an average height of 9 feet. This pile contains approximately 4900 cubic yards. Therefore, the total amount of topsoil stockpiled is 9100 cubic yards. A fill pile is located above and south of the Plant Infiltration Pond, which contains approximately 16,000 cubic yards in an area of 0.53 acres. This fill will be used to backfill the highwall at the southern end of the infiltration pond. As seen from Map C -1, additional topsoil is available from some undisturbed portions of the area to be mined. These areas will have approximately 6 -8 inches of usable topsoil. This soil will be carefully stripped and added to Stockpiles #1 and #2. As mined out pits are backfilled and regraded, topsoil will be replaced on these areas to a depth of 6 inches. In addition, fines from the gold processing and gravel processing plants will be captured and stockpiled for use as a substitute subsoil to be placed below the available topsoil. This will pro- vide greater root depth capability and water retention in the soil. It is estimated that normal mining operations will produce approximately 4000 cubic yards per year of this material. The Substitute Subsoil Stockpile is shown on Map C -2. In addition to thee efforts, import of topsoil will be encouraged over the life of the mine. Good topsoil will be placed in Stockpiles #1 and #2. Poorer material may be added to the Substitute Subsoil Stockpile. Gloria Z Mine 2013 Amendment 12