Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 43 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Part XV - Office of Conservation-Surface Mining
Subpart 5 - Permanent Program Performance Standards
Chapter 55 - Special Permanent Program Performance Standards: Operations on Prime Farmland
Section XV-5503 - Prime Farmland: Soil Removal

1. separately remove the topsoil, or remove other suitable soil materials where such other soil materials will create a final soil having a greater productive capacity than that which exists prior to mining;

2. separately remove the B horizon of the soil, a combination of B horizon and underlying C horizon, or other suitable soil material to provide the thickness of suitable soil required by §5507. A.1 that will create a reconstructed soil of equal or greater productive capacity than that which existed before mining, except as approved by the regulatory authority where the B or C soil horizons would not otherwise be removed and where soil capabilities can be retained;

3. separately remove the underlying C horizons, other strata, or a combination of horizons or other strata to be used instead of the B horizon. When replaced, these combinations shall be equal to, or more favorable for plant growth than, the B horizon.