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TABLE 5 <br /> Estimated Acreage of Prime <br /> and Non-Prime Farmland Soils <br /> Area to be Mined Acres % <br /> Prime 124.3 85% <br /> Non-Prime tQ 1.512 <br /> Total 146.3 100% <br /> SOIL RECLAMATION <br /> a The reclamation plan for this property will be in accordance with the reclamation standards <br /> developed by the State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Mining and <br /> Geology pursuant to S.M.A.R.A. section 2773(b). Article 9 Reclamation Standards will be used <br /> as the standard for the proposed plan and for evaluating the progress of the reclamation plan. <br /> The objective of the proposed plan is to maintain soil productivity at a level equal to or greater <br /> than the premining conditions. The areas reclaimed to agricultural production will be <br /> reconstructed with a minimum of six (6) feet of soil (the surface 6 inches of which is topsoil) <br /> above the average groundwater elevations measured at the site. <br /> SOIL REMOVAL AND HANDLING <br /> Minimizing soil compaction is a key component in the handling of soils. <br /> Soil moisture is of critical importance when handling the loam and clay loam soil strata. These <br /> soils should be removed and replaced when they contain very low soil moisture in order to <br /> minimize soil compaction. The sandy loam and gravelly sandy loam strata can be safely handled <br /> with higher moisture content. The time of year, cropping patterns and weather will affect soil <br /> moisture. <br /> The removal of water stored in the soil profile may be required to establish a dry soil profile. <br /> Water use by the orchard should sufficiently dry the soil if it is not irrigated any more this <br /> season. An evaluation of the soil moisture status is suggested after the trees have finished using <br /> soil moisture. If the soil moisture status is acceptable, then the trees could be removed. The soil <br /> should be excavated and stockpiled before the winter rains begin. <br /> The soil should be removed in maximum depths per pass in order to minimize traffic and impact <br /> on the soil during the soil removal and replacement processes. Traffic on the stockpiles is to be <br /> minimized as well. <br /> 10 <br />