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Soil Redistribution.
Suitable subsoil will be spread uniformly across the prepared surface to a
depth of approximately 10 to 12 inches. The topsoil will then be placed over the subsoil to a
depth of approximately 6 to 8 inches. Prior to seeding, the topsoil will be prepared by disking or
harrowing to an approximate depth of 6 inches.
Seeding.
Ideally, seeding will be done in the fall prior to freeze-up. Fall seeding provides a cold
period for seeds that require vernalization to germinate and allows the seeds to absorb winter
moisture, which assists germination in the spring. While spring seeding is possible, it is normally
discouraged due to challenges with early spring weather and site access as well as the
likelihood of soil compaction from equipment usage on saturated soils.
Wherever possible, seeding will be done along constant elevation contours using a drill-seeder
equipped with an agitator and depth bands to help make seed distribution and seeding depths
more consistent. Seeds will be planted just below the surface as appropriate for the seed mix
provided at the time of reclamation. When drill seeding is not practical, broadcast seeding will
be employed. For broadcast seeding, the seeding rate will be adjusted as agreed upon with the
appropriate agencies, and the area will be raked or chained to cover seeds as appropriate.
The seed mix will be designed to establish vegetation communities similar to the pre-
disturbance vegetation. The seed mix will include native, perennial species recommended by
the Forest Service that are adapted to the eco-region. The mix will include appropriate grasses
to provide erosion control and wildlife habitat. A suitable seed mix will be determined in
conjunction with the Forest Service for use over the entire site at the time of reclamation. The
appropriate application rates for this seed mix will also be determined at that time.
Mulching.
After seeding, noxious weed-free-certified hay, straw mulch, or hydromulch will be
applied and crimped parallel to the contours at a rate agreed upon with the Forest Service. If
equipment access is too difficult in areas, then suitable alternatives will be agreed upon with the
Forest Service (such as wood fiber mulch applied hydraulically- i.e. hydromulching).
Amendments.
It is anticipated that no soil amendments will be required during revegetation.
Additional studies may be required to verify this assumption and soil amendments, or lack
thereof, will be approved by the Forest Service.
5.22.4.3 Weed Management
Noxious weed prevention and control will be a part of the Reclamation Plan for the Mine Area.
Reclamation practices will help control invasive species on the Wyoming Weed & Pest Control
Act designated list within the proposed disturbance area. Weed infestations will be prevented or
treated using appropriate control methods prior to salvaging topsoil and will be controlled during
post-reclamation. RER has prepared and will implement a Weed Management Plan (Appendix
O).
5.22.4.4 Diversion Systems and Hydrologic Restoration
The major surface drainages within the mine area are Beaver Creek and Whitelaw Creek. Some
diversion ditches and culverts will be designed and constructed in order to manage surface
water in and around mine facilities and to manage erosion and control sediment (see Appendix
D). These drainage structures will remain intact to the extent they are required after mining
operations are complete. Any unnecessary diversion systems will be re-graded, scarified, and
revegetated during reclamation. Shown on Figure 1 of Appendix D are the surface drainage
structures that will remain in place following the completion of closure and reclamation.
5.22.4.5 Regrading and Contouring Plans
In general, exposed soil and overburden (fill, waste rock, etc.) slopes will be re-graded to an
overall slope no steeper than 3H:1V where practical. Due to the hard rock nature of the pit walls,
