2008-05-01_REVISION - M1973007SG (5)

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I SOILS INFORMATION Exhibit I - AMENDMENT Ex. Soils Information INTRODUCTION: The basis for the information to follow is the El Paso County Soil Survey,but that survey has been modified with additional site-specific information. The site-specific information concerns the history of soil disturbance at this site and modifications resulting from that history. The soils and vegetation of a site are an expression of the site's history. These differences in history produce the variations we observe. The historical context is important to understanding the environment of the site. Without understanding the site environment, site-specific reclamation planning is difficult. This exhibit is divided into two major sections. The first section discusses soils on the west side of Academy Boulevard, while the second section discusses soils on the east side of Academy Boulevard. There are considerable differences in both the nature and the history of the soils on these two areas. These differences influence the reclamation planning of each area. West of Academy Boulevard West of Academy Boulevard and within the permitted area there is essentially no native soil remaining. The main soil present is what has been "stockpiled" from years past,primarily during pre-law times. The term "stockpiled" must be used rather loosely. The soil stockpiles primarily constitute fine material pushed into big piles, so it would be out of the way. Virtually all the soil present was "stockpiled" at least 10 years ago and much of it is considerably older than that. This area has a long history of industrial activity. The near proximity of the railroad and the rather level ground made it a fine industrial site even 50 years ago. In the process of using the area, many different companies came in and did "their thing" and then left. No regard was given to consciously saving soil or reclaiming the land. Today, reclamation has become an important concern, but most of the soil has been devastated and is only a little better than mine waste. On the other hand, the loss of soil in this area was not a serious problem. The northern part of this land was mainly Blakeland loamy sand and the soil that was originally here was probably not of great value. The rest of the soil was a thin veneer of poorly developed fines over river rock on an ancient terrace of Fountain Creek. The future of this site will undoubtedly be industrial. With large industrial buildings to the north and to the south along the railroad tracks it is unlikely the site would be suitable for anything else. Therefore the loss of soil is of little actual significance. Daniels Sand Pit#2 Amendment (2008) Exhibit I Page 1 of 8