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-5507 - Prime Farmland: Soil Replacement

1. The minimum depth of soil and soil material to be reconstructed for prime farmland shall be 48 inches, or a depth equal to the depth of a subsurface horizon in the natural soil that inhibits root penetration, whichever is shallower. The office shall specify a depth greater than 48 inches wherever necessary to restore productive capacity due to uniquely favorable soil horizons at greater depths. Soil horizons shall be considered as inhibiting root penetration if their densities, chemical properties or water supply capacities restrict or prevent penetration by roots of plants common to the vicinity of the permit area and have little or no beneficial effect on soil productive capacity.

2. Replace soil material only on land which has been first returned to final grade and scarified according to §5405-5413 unless site-specific evidence is provided and approved by the office showing that scarification will not enhance the capability of the reconstructed soil to achieve equivalent or higher levels of yield.

3. Replace and regrade the soil horizons or other suitable soil material with proper compaction and uniform depth.

4. Replace the B horizon, C horizon, or other suitable material specified in §5503. A.2 to the thickness needed to meet the requirements of §5507. A.1 In those areas where the B or C horizons were not removed but may have been compacted or otherwise damaged during the mining operation, the operator shall engage in deep tilling or other appropriate means to restore premining capabilities.

5. Replace the A horizon or other suitable soil materials specified in §5503. A.1 as the final surface soil layer. This surface soil layer shall equal or exceed the thickness of the original soil, as determined in §2907. A.1 b, and be replaced in a manner that protects the surface layer from wind and water erosion before it is seeded or planted.

6. Apply nutrients and soil amendments as needed to quickly establish vegetative growth.