2014-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C1996083 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1996083
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/7/2014
• Section_Exhibit Name: Volume III Exhibit 07 Soils
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Volume III, Tab 7
Because the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS, formerly
CDMG) does not have a detailed guideline with specifications for conducting a baseline
soil resource assessment, reference is made to the current Wyoming Department of
Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Guideline No.1 "Topsoil and Overburden" (WDEQ, 1996).
The soils scope-of-work for the Gob Pile project is similar to that of other recent baseline
surveys for coal mining projects in Colorado. All major soils on proposed affected areas
were fully described and sampled for laboratory analysis a minimum of one time each.
Based on previous experience with underground coal mine projects, this sampling
intensity is consistent with previous recommendations for proposed affected area
disturbances in Colorado and other western states. The amount of additional soil
sampling for laboratory characterization, beyond the minimum, is left to the professional
judgement of the certified soil scientist. For the approximate 30 acres of proposed
disturbance, a total of 4 representative soil sites were sampled by major horizons and
subhorizons for laboratory analysis. A total of thirteen soil samples were collected from
the four sample sites. Discussion between Jim Nyenhuis, Steve Viert (Cedar Creek), and
Jim Stover (J.E. Stover & Associates) indicated the initial amount of soil sampling was
sufficient for this project (Nyenhuis, 2006).
The soil samples were delivered to Colorado State University's Soil Testing Laboratory in
Fort Collins, Colorado, for standard soils analysis. The laboratory analysis included the
following parameters: pH; saturation percent; electrical conductivity (EC); calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) (meq/L); calculation of sodium
adsorption ratio (SAR); organic matter percent (Walkley-Black method); nitrate nitrogen
(NO3-N), soil texture (percent sand, silt, and clay), and micronutrients (ppm by AB-DTPA
method) phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and
copper (Cu). Selenium and Boron (mg/kg, ppm) were not added to the laboratory
analysis because previous soil results (from the Bowie No. 2 Mine 1995 soils study) for B
and Se never exceeded suitability thresholds (5 ppm for Boron and 0.1 ppm for Se). The
results of the laboratory analysis were reported on September 1, 2006, and are included
with this report. A 10% duplicate analysis was conducted for quality assurance/quality
control (QA/QC) purposes and the results are on file at CSU.
Concerning soils mapping, the entire area was traversed on foot. Soil map unit
boundaries were delineated by observing surface conditions, vegetation, slope gradient,
slope aspect, geology, and most importantly soil profiles exposed using a the spade and
bucket auger. Dominant soils were fully described and sampled at representative sites in
the proposed affected areas. The location of all soil sample sites is shown on the soils
map. Various base maps and air-photos were used in the field work, including a 1 "=400'
scale topographic base map (Bowie NO. 2 Mine, SOILS, Dwg. Name "Map No. 04", DMG
I.D. No. "C-96-083") and two air-photo images (1:6600 scale, natural color "Bowie" photo
dated May 26, 2005) and a 1"=225' scale, natural color recent air photo of the project site
2 Exhibit 7 - 2007 Soil Survey Report