N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.24.2401

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 19.8.24.2401 - PRIME FARMLAND: SOIL REMOVAL

A. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations on prime farmland shall be conducted to:

(1) separately remove the entire A horizon or other suitable soil material which will create a final soil having a greater productive capacity than that which existed 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 that will create a reconstructed soil of equal or greater productive capacity than that which existed before mining;

(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.

B. The minimum depth of soil and soil material to be removed for use in reconstruction of prime farmland soils shall be sufficient to meet the soil replacement requirements of Subsection A of 19.8.24.2403 NMAC.

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.24.2401

11-29-97; 19.8.24.2401 NMAC- Rn, 19 NMAC 8.2.24.2401, 9-29-2000