2020-07-24_REVISION - M1979192 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

6.4.9 EXHIBIT I—Soils Information The following information was referenced from the Fremont County Soils Survey The soils map submitted with this Exhibit shows three basic soil types, river wash alluvium, riparian meadow,and Kim Prairie. Kim Praire is the soil type encountered throughout all of the amended acreage and most of the original permitted area. The term Kim Prairie soil type was formally referred to as The Fort Collins loam, a deep, well drained soil typically found on plains and terraces of 1 to 4 percent slopes. The Kim Series soils are notable for its moderate permeability, medium textured alluvium derived characteristics. The soil is mildly alkaline to a depth of 21 inches and moderately alkaline below 21 inches. According to the Fremont County Soil Survey, Kim Series soils reflect high water capacity and effective rooting depth of 60 inches or more. Potential hazard of water erosion is noted as slight to moderate. The surface layer is typically a brown loam about four inches thick underlain by a loamy subsoil not unlike the surface material with less organic material present. Rangeland is the primary land use for this type of soil,that use prior to and after mining has been completed. Native grasses are the primary vegetative type found at this site, with a notable percentage of cactus species present. Grama grass species as well as dry land wheat grasses such as Western wheat grass will be included in the seed mix to be used at the site. The Kim Series soils present no major limitation to re-vegetation goals, although soil nutrient availability will need to be confirmed prior to seeding. Seed mix will be broadcast on the prepared seed bed surface followed by light surface raking and mulch application,which will help to minimize wind and water erosion potentials. The Riparian Meadow soil,described in the Fremont Soils Survey as the Shanta loam, a stream site soil type that is moderately to poorly drained due to approximation to stream channels. The soil supports primarily native grasses similar to the Kim Series and will be reclaimed in a similar manner. The Riparian Meadow soils that can be viewed along the main haul road currently reflects a strong cactus presence. The grass mix will be mainly grama grasses and wheatgrass species adapted to non-irrigated range land use. The Stream Alluvium soil type identified along the west border of the affected lands are within a no mining area and will not be disturbed.