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Mr. William T. Davis - 3 - April 25, 1989 should be collected and analyzed for the following parameters to determine the soils suitability for reclamation (pH, percent OM, EC, SAR, Saturation percent, Particle Size Analysis, Texture, N, P, K). Upon receiving this information, a determination can be made about the quantity and quality of soil available for reclamation purposes. Rule 2.04.10(1 ) Map 5 appears to have been prepared using an SCS Soils Map and range site descriptions. The map should be checked at the site to verify its accuracy. Woody vegetation communities have special reclamation requirements under Rule 4.15.8. Map 5 is unclear as to whether any part of permit area would !-e classified as a woody vegetation community. Woody vegetation by MLRD definition is any vegetation type in which canopy cover of woody plants is equal to or greater than 15 percent total vegetation cover. Rule 2.04.10(4) The only description given in the application is the potential plant communities for soil type unit as provided by SCS. These descriptions are not site specific and do not provide the required information for the permit area. They also only provide an average annual production value which may not be representative of this specific site. It is recommended that a vegetation survey be conducted to determine species composition, cover, productivity, and woody plant density. Map 5 should be revised to reflect the results of such study. Rule 2.4.11 One comment should be clarified in the narrative. A lack of large open waters does not eliminate the possibility of prime habitat for all migrating birds, only for large concentrations of waterfowl. Rule 2.04.12 The operator requests that a negative determination be made with regard to prime farmland in the area. It is unlikely that prime farmland exists within the proposed permit area; however, proper documentation must be made of this. It is recommended that the operator obtain a letter of concurrence from the local SCS office stating that prime farmland does not exist in the permit area and will not be affected by the proposed operation. Rule 2.05.3 The operator's mine plan discussion is inadequate to comply with the requirements of Rule 2.05.3(2)(a). The operator mentions an intention to limit disturbance to 1.5 acre areas at any one time. However, no explanation is presented to describe how this will be accomplished.. In general, the. entire mine plan description is too vague to allow the Division to formulate an opinion regarding the plan's technical merits.