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Article 9 Reclamation Standards section 3707 (b) states, "When distinct soil horizons are present, topsoil shall be salvaged and segregated by deemed A, B, and C soil horizons. Upon reconstruction of the soil, the sequence of horizons shall have the A atop the B, the B atop the C, and the C atop graded overburden." The intent of the Article 9 Reclamation Standards is to preserve the function and productivity of the existing soils. The soil handling and reconstruction procedures outlined in this plan are intended to comply with the Article 9 objectives for soil preservation. Article 9 section 3707 (b) does not mention transitional strata like the AB and BC horizons. The transitional horizons have characteristics of the horizons directly above and below them. Our plan is to handle the transitional horizons in a manner consistent with maintaining soil productivity and function. The lower A horizons and the B horizons (A, AB, B, BC, etc.) are loam or clay loam for the most part. A few soil profiles are stratified with very different textures. The data suggests that all of these horizons can be stockpiled as a single unit and combined prior to reconstruction of the soil. The combining of subsoils will maintain soil productivity and function. Soil productivity will be potentially improved in the stratified soils by blending of subsoils. The degree of benefit would depend upon how well the soils are blended. The data from this soil report will be used to guide combining and stockpiling soil during the actual moving processes to optimize the degree of benefit. SOIL RECONSTRUCTION Deep tillage (ripping) will be required as the stockpiled soils are reconstructed. The depth and frequency of ripping will be decided as the soil is laid into place and evaluated in the field. Again, minimizing traffic and soil compaction are the primary goals. Leveling, slope, surface and subsoil drainage engineering will be provided by qualified engineers. Field slope grades within the irrigated agricultural area have been designed to accommodate forage and row crops and related irrigation practices. The reclaimed field will have a side slope of 0.1%and will slope at a grade of 0.2% down the irrigation furrows. The topsoil chemical status, organic matter and bulk density will be evaluated after the soils have been reconstructed and leveled. The data from this soil report will be used as a bench mark for comparison to the reconstructed soils. Soil treatments and fertilizer requirements will be recommended at that time. CROP PLAN The use of deep rooted cover crops in the irrigated agricultural fields as a first crop after reclamation is suggested to improve soil structure, organic matter and microbial activity. The cover crops should be disced into the soil as a biomass source prior to seed formation to avoid creating a "weed" problem. 12