1. (a) Mulch shall be applied to all regraded and topsoiled areas at rates adequate to control erosion, promote germination of seeds and increase the moisture retention of the soil. With the exception of outslopes of terrace contours, dams or embankments, fills between terrace benches or any other approved slopes which exceed 36%, the Department may waive the requirement for mulch under the following conditions:

   1. (1) When seeding can be accomplished using a conventional agricultural farm drill.
   2. (2) When the approved postdisposal land use is for agricultural crops.
   3. (3) When annual grasses or small grains can be seeded immediately following final grading, resulting in a quick vegetative cover which will provide adequate soil erosion control.
   4. (4) When the permittee can demonstrate that alternative procedures will achieve the standards for revegetation success of § 90.159 (relating to revegetation: standards for successful revegetation).
2. (b) When required by the Department, mulches shall be mechanically or chemically anchored to the soil surface.
3. (c) Chemical soil stabilizers may be used alone or in combination with appropriate mulches.

Source

The provisions of this § 90.157 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382.

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 90.33 (relating to reclamation plan); 25 Pa. Code § 90.100 (relating to nutrients and soil amendments); 25 Pa. Code § 90.105 (relating to stream channel diversions); 25 Pa. Code § 90.108 (relating to hydrologic balance: sedimentation ponds); 25 Pa. Code § 90.125 (relating to coal refuse disposal: construction requirements); 25 Pa. Code § 90.150 (relating to protection of fish, wildlife and related environmental values); and 25 Pa. Code § 90.165 (relating to prime farmland: revegetation).