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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />The baseline soil survey identified 62 separate map units comprised of series, families, and other more <br />generally classified soils with broader ranges of characteristics. The Soil Series composition of these map <br />units are presented in Table 2.04.9-20. The map showing the distribution of the map units is presented on <br />Map 5D at a scale of 1:1,000 and 1:500. The dominant composition of each unit is provided along with <br />general information related to the topographic setting, inclusions, and recommended salvage depths. The <br />recommended salvage depths are preliminary and are based on the suitability criteria, field observations, <br />and an understanding of the probable variability based on the factors influencing pedogenesis in the area. <br />These depths and limiting characteristics should be further reviewed and evaluated in the context of <br />reclamation objectives following development of the mine plan. Soil map unit and plant community <br />correlations can be determined by comparing the results of this survey with the Collom Mining Area <br />Baseline Vegetation Survey prepared by Cedar Creek Associates (2006). <br />Preliminary map unit boundaries were identified in the field were supported by available data and site <br />inspection. Boundaries of preliminary map units were further refined based on the results of pedon <br />descriptions and development of conceptual map units. Many of the conceptual map units were <br />documented in the field for further refinement based on review of all available information, including <br />laboratory results and final pedon classifications. <br />Following completion of the field effort, additional refinement was made using high-resolution, color <br />satellite images with a false -color infrared display. This image revealed more detail related to vegetation <br />communities, outcrop patterns, and early fall soil moisture levels. The second resource was development <br />of hillshade models to simulate the accumulation of loess deposits in the Soils Survey Area. This simple <br />tool visually simulates those areas most likely to accumulate loess with various prevailing winds. In <br />combination with one another, these resources dramatically improved the accuracy and precision of the <br />survey. <br />Each map unit within the Soils Survey Area was described by documenting soil series and families found <br />in the map unit, their relative composition, and their placement relative to one another. Map units <br />produced as part of this survey were composed primarily of consociations and complexes, with the smallest <br />units approximately 0.5 acres in size. <br />Pedon descriptions were updated with the results of laboratory analysis, where available, and classified <br />first to the family level and then correlated to series identified as major components of NRCS map units <br />within five miles of the Soils Survey Area. The pedon classifications yielded 53 unique textural families, <br />including thirty series and 23 families with no corresponding series identified in nearby portions of the <br />NRCS surveys. The series identified, along with variants and taxadjuncts, represented 393 of the 456 <br />pedons (86 percent) described in the Order 11 Survey Area. <br />Identifying the correct soil temperature and moisture regime is critical to determining the correct <br />classification in accordance with the current Keys to Soil Taxonomy (USDA, 2006). In-depth review of <br />the NRCS survey of Moffat County (USDA 2005a) revealed significant changes in the soil temperature <br />and moisture regimes within the Soils Survey Area. Onsite evaluation of soil and vegetation and <br />discussions with Charles Peacock, soil scientist in the Craig, Colorado, NRCS soil survey office (Charles <br />Peacock personal communication with Judd Stark), confirmed that the major regime changes do exist and <br />provided insight into the likely patterns. <br />The extreme north end of the Soils Survey Area was determined to be frigid and aridic while higher <br />elevations in the southern portion of the Soils Survey Area were determined to be cryic and ustic. Entisols <br />(soils exhibiting no profile development) were not classified by regime and are shown as their own class <br />(entic). Transitional temperature regimes occurred along cryic canyon walls and shaded slopes to the <br />north and frigid plateaus to the south. The boundary between moisture regimes generally coincided with <br />Collom — Rule 2, Page 37 Revision Date: 12/30/16 <br />Revision No.: TR -108 <br />