2022-10-10_REVISION - C1981008 (7)

Home Browse Search

dependable water supply, occur in two locations within NHM. These prime farmland soils include soil map units D70, D70B, 98E, and 98A as delineated on permit Map 2.04.9-1. The current status of prime farmland soil areas with respect to Prime Farmland designation is as follows: Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, LLC Property Map Unit 98A (Begay Fine Sandy Loam) which occurs on 3.52 acres in the northwest corner of the New Horizon Mine was determined to be Prime Farmland, based on NRCS determination that the site was historically cropped and irrigated (see NRCS Resource Conservationist letter dated June 27, 2008, in Attachment 2.04.9-10-4). Based on the actual areal extent of disturbance and practical considerations, the Division has designated a slightly larger (4.76 acre) area incorporating the 98A parcel as Prime Farmland, as indicated on permit Map 2.05.4-4. This permit revision proposes to reestablish 4 acres of prime farmland in a slightly different location than the originally mapped location. This relocated placement of prime farmland will aid in logical management of the prime farmland. The Map Unit 98A (Begay Fine Sandy Loam) is located remote from permanent roadways, and has no established irrigation system currently in place. This soil mapping unit is also geographically limited in size due to surrounding natural structures, Tuttle Draw, natural rock outcrop, and steep upland slopes. The proposed 4 acre prime farmland relocation area in Section 36 will allow for ease of access by farming equipment, will allow for logical extension of existing side-roll irrigation structures, and will provide logical management to the existing irrigated pasture located immediately to the east. Morgan Property Darvey-Bari Complex soils dominate the portion of the block located south of BB Road and west of 2700 Road, covering approximately 87.03 acres. An evaluation of prime farmland soils by NRCS in 2008 determined that the Darvey-Bari soils in this area are prime farmlands (see February 11, 2008 memorandum from NRCS Soil Scientist Dave Dearstyne in Attachment 2.04.9-6). For the prime farmland areas, ERMR has proposed a plan to comply with Rule 2.06.6(4). a) The approved postmining land use of the prime farmlands is irrigated cropland—alfalfa hay. b) The NRCS concurrence is found in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-11. c) The proposed operations will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule 4.25 and other environmental protection performance and reclamation standards of the Rules for mining and reclamation of prime farmland. No changes are proposed for the prime farmland on the Morgan property. 19