2023-02-02_PERMIT FILE - M2022013 (9)

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Page 14 6.4.5 EXHIBIT I/J - Soils and Vegetation Information depth of roots of perennial plants and trees, or which otherwise meets the definition of soil. One soil differs from another soil by its unique properties and characteristics (such as horizon profile development, structure, texture, color, percent organic matter, chemical composition, etc.) and is identified as such by soil scientists, and detailed in available SCS (NRCS) Soil Survey documents. The affected soils to be extracted as permitted are designated under the soil survey to fall predominantly under Unit 3: Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum; and may include minor components of Unit 10: Blankard sandy loam (refer to extracts and tables from the 1980 Weld County Soil Survey — Southern Part). Occurring in flood plain locations, as they do at this location, while described as deep,'would apply more commonly to the Mollisols that appear to form a minor component of the area soils, while the majority of the location is more characteristic of Aquolls, Aquent or Entisol soil formations, which are commonly poorly formed soils in floodplain locations, and lacking a typical profile or horizon development; or, in the case of the Blankard Series, having a shallow A-profile of 0-5 inches in depth overlying sand and gravel. The lack of a deep, well developed soil profile is in part due to alluvial flooding which both scours and lays down sediment of diverse textural classes over time, but which lacks the appearance of an Inceptisol which is also commonly associated with flood plain locations. Deeper profiles may occur, however they are difficult to map under the best of conditions as they may vary every three (3) feet. Fundamentally, previous crop production activities over Unit 3 soils created a plow layer over the majority of Central Field, to an approximate depth of six inches; and likely contains the greater percentage of desirable organic matter and texture amenable to plant establishment and sustainability. These former rangelands turned to croplands have no predictable soil profile of consequence as you progress increasingly below the cropped layer. Other minor areas of impact over the remaining acres found within the parcel, have poorly developed soils whose depths vary from zero to eight inches. While anomalous pockets of deeper soil depths may occur, for purposes of this submittal, we will assume a soil depth to the plow layer of six inches over affected lands, excluding any obvious previously disturbed ground where soil has been removed (trenches, structures, etc.). Regardless, there is sufficient soil to assure a resoil depth of approximately six inches over the basin banks above the anticipated static water level of the reservoirs. The predominantly Otero Series soils underlying planned processing and product stockpile and transportation north of the Evans Canal are shallow soils of a foot or less over eolian deposits and alluvium; or sandstone bedrock, as in the case for the Tassel Series Soils. These soils are best left undisturbed where possible and simply reclaimed in place once processing and related activities are completed. For purposes of this submittal, all lands within the indicated permit boundary will be considered affected lands, but only those locations between the existing access roads, and which otherwise remain above the anticipated static water level of the resulting basins, will be soiled and seeded to establish vegetation consistent with the approved reclamation plan. All other previously disturbed lands outside of this area may be seeded to establish the desired vegetative cover where reaffected by planned activities, but in its previously disturbed state will not receive additional soil resources beyond what already remains, if any. Fortunately, the act of extraction serves to return affected lands to a stable configuration, and in a manner that creates a more enduring and beneficial habitat of indigenous vegetation and abundant water. VARRA COMPANIES, INC. TWO RIVERS SAND GRAVEL AND RESERVOIR PROJECT MARCH 2O22 A REGULAR IMPACT[1121 CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION-COLORADO DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING&SAFETY OFFICE OF MINED LAND RECLAMATION