2020-08-10_PERMIT FILE - M1984041

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outcroppings with a thin gypsite crust that grades thoroughvvaathered gypsum to o0Ud gypsum rock. Experience has shown that these gypaite crusts vary in thickness fromn 3 inches to 2feet. The Oypaite crusts generally Contain some silty-clayey material due to the weathering of inter- bedded clastic sediments. In summary, the surface in the area can mainly be described as gypsum and weathered gypsum (0ypsite) outcroppings with intermingled basins of volcanic ash. The gypsum outcroppings predominate in the area as evidenced by the lack of vegetation in areas other than the intermingled volcanic ash basins. Drawing 05 shows the soils map from the NRCS soil resource report for the site /NRCS. 2018\, along with aerial imagery. There are no known cave resources in the proposed disturbance area. Should any caves be discovered in the process of developing the Upper Pit expansion, East Pit, or associated roads. American Gypsum Would notify the BLK1. 5.4 Cultural Resources A Ooas \|| cultural resources survey was conducted in 2001 on 157 acres for Mine features proposed ai that time. No pnaviousiy-reonodedoiheaorieolotedfindewere noted. The Mine area was expected to have |mvv potential for cultural resources due to Steep slopes and location between the 'Flat Tops' Wilderness Pinyon-Juniper woodlands and the Eagle River Valley. A cultural resources survey was conducted during the summer of 2018 in the proposed Upper Pit expansion area. A second cultural resources survey was conducted in the summer Of2O1S to cover gaps /n previous surveys near the existing sediment control ponds previously approved by CO DRW1S as TFl-00 and TR-07 (CO [)FlMS. 2003; CO DF{K88, 2000). Other areas Of proposed disturbance have been covered by previous surveys conducted between 1889 and 2017. According to the eun/eye, the steep landscape is not conducive to archaeological preservation. No sites have been documented in the area. 5~5 Paleontology The main geologic formation in the Mine area, Eagle Valley Evapnhbe, is not included on the BLM'8 list Of formations in the CRVF{} Planning Area with paleontological resources(BLKV. 2O15). Included on the list is Basalt of Bimodal Suite (Tbb), which is listed as having @ moderate to unknown, Orhigh potential to yield fossils. No paleontological resources have been uncovered to date during mining operations. 5,6 Vegetation According tothe BLK8 CRVF[> Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (BLM. 2015). the BLK4 lands near the Mine are comprised of pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush ahrublundm. Previous permit documents note that vegetation cover in undisturbed areas of the Mine consists mainly of sagebrush and greasewood.Vegetation is sparse on steeper slopes; some areas include solid gypsum nockOutorOppingS. Like the existing mining area, the 47