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f~ • Three Soils Information • A soils map is now included, however it is illegible, therefore a usable copy which includes a scale and a legend, must be submitted. A descrip- tion of soil mapping unit l0I-F which occurs in the permit area (accord- ing to Plate 9, page 58, Mine Plan, October 1980) should be submitted. Additionally, the applicant must supply information on the present and potential productivity of the soil units within those portions of the permit area to be affected by surface operations. The amount of suitable topsoil used in revegetation and the adequacy of this material needs to be more clearly addressed. The applicant states that approximately 2000 cubic yards will be needed to cover the portal bench and access roads with four inches of topsoil (Mine Plan, page 73, October 1980); however, preliminary calculations indicate that up to 9000 to 10,0000 cubic yards will be required for the four inch depth for these two areas. A clarification of the topsoil volumes individually required for the portal bench, access roads, reservoir, coal stockpile, coal stockpile sedimentation ponds, and truck scale areas must be submitted. Handling and use of topsoil in the area of the road and the ephemeral stream should be clarified. Soil testing parameters should be identified. Any toxic materials which are to be buried must also be identified. The acreage involved for each area should be identified in relation to bonding calculations. The calculations used in determining grading, packing, replacement, and preparation costs for the performance bond should be explained in more detail. If a much greater quantity of top- soil is required than what has been projected, the bond may have to be adjusted. Clarification is needed on how grading of the reservoir and sediment pond will take place of if there is enough material to return these areas to their original contour. There is no mention in the plan of ripping and discing of the areas to be resoiled as required. A discussion of equip- ment to be used should also be provided. Vegetation Information Reference areas or other approved standards for measuring revegetation success must be established. Reference areas have not been mentioned in the permit applications. In addition, the vegetation study area as iden- tified in Exhibit A of the second mine and reclamation plan application (which was received at OSM on October 27, 1980) appears to be inadequate in that it appears to be less than two acres. Reference areas must be at least three acres in size. The existing environment of the proposed entrance area is described in Exhibits I and J (page 6) of the Mine Plan (May 21, 1979) and by Bruce Fowler (EA prepared for the USDI, page 19) as a brushy loam range site. The dominant plant species are oak and service berry. The area beneath the easements area described in the USFS's EA as being unusable for range. Common plants include yucca, grams, needle-and-thread, cactus, and pinyon- juniper overstory. Hubbard Canyon contains oak, boxelder, Douglas-fir, and cottonwood. This appears to be contradictory information and should be clarified.