Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 89.22 - Topsoil removal and storage(a) Before disturbance of areas affected by surface operations, topsoil and subsoils shall be separately removed and segregated from other material, unless use of substitute or supplemental materials for reclamation is approved by the Department.(b) After removal, topsoil shall be stockpiled pending redistribution, provided that an alternative procedure may be approved by the Department on a case-by-case basis if the procedure provides equal or more protection for the topsoil.(c) Topsoil shall, if possible, be removed from the areas to be affected by surface operations or major structures after the vegetative cover that would interfere with the use of the topsoil is cleared from portions of those areas that will be disturbed, but before any drilling for blasting, mining or other surface disturbance of surface lands.(d) Selected overburden materials may be substituted for or used as a supplement to topsoil if the resulting soil medium is suitable for sustaining vegetation. Substituted or supplemented material shall be placed in compliance with the requirements for topsoil under § 89.85 (relating to topsoil use).(e) Stockpiled materials shall be selectively placed and protected from wind and water erosion by an effective cover of quick-growing annual and perennial plants, or by other methods demonstrated to provide equal protection. Unless approved by the Department, stockpiled topsoil and other materials may not be moved until ready for use.The provisions of this §89.22 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 89.132 (relating to soil stockpiling); and 25 Pa. Code § 89.173 (relating to performance standards).