2018-05-30_PERMIT FILE - M2018028

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1. Protecting exposed, concentrated or otherwise accessible valuable minerals from theft or loss; 2. Protecting from theft or loss appropriate, operable equipment which is regularly used, is not readily portable, and cannot be protected by means other than occupancy; 3. Protecting the public from appropriate, operable equipment which is regularly used, is not readily portable, and if left unattended,creates a hazard to public safety; 4. Protecting the public from surface uses,workings, or improvements which,if left unattended, create a hazard to public safety; or 5. Being located in an area so isolated or lacking in physical access as to require the mining claimant, operator, or workers to remain on site in order to work a full shift of a usual and customary length.A full shift is ordinarily 8 hours and does not include travel time to the site from a community or area in which housing may be obtained. Protective/Mitigation Measures: The proposal appears to meet all requirements of 43 CFR 3715.2 and meets items#2 and#3 of 43 CFR 3715.2-1. Therefore,no additional measures are needed. Cumulative Impacts: Not applicable. No Action Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: None Protective/Mitigation Measures: None 3.2.3 SOILS (includes a findine on standard 1) Affected Environment: The proposed project area lies on a largely upland bench adjacent to the Arkansas River. Due to the small nature of the bench, the exact soil type has not been mapped. Based on the current digging at the site, the soil appears to be relatively well developed with a well-defined A horizon that is approximately 4 inches deep and consists of a fine sandy loam. This is followed by a B horizon that is a well-developed sandy silt that is approximately 8 inches deep. These two layers are likely to be alluvium and/or eolian deposits. Below these upper soil layers is a deep alluvial deposit of poorly sorted cobbles, gravels and sands that is the target of the existing operation, as well as the proposed modification. The Proposed Action calls for separating and stockpiling topsoil until it is used for reclamation. Ultimately,the proponent is responsible for successful reclamation of the site showing that soil productivity is comparable to the pre-mining condition. A successful reclaimed site will be comparable to the pre-disturbed site as long as ecological processes are functioning within a normal range of variability and the native plant community meets the expected f nictional/structural groups and composition. These soils are well drained and generally dry with the water table being approximately at river level. Due to the sandy nature of the soil, it is highly susceptible to both wind and water erosion.