PERMFILE54536

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: EXHIBIT 27 CHARACTERISTICS OF WEST ELK MINE SOIL MAPPING UNITS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Nitrogen supplies and availability are closel}• associated with the amount and decomposition of organic
• matter in the soil. Any operation that involves the loss of the organic rich upper soil horizons, more rapid
than normal decomposition of organic matter, or the prevention of an annual return of organic plant
remains could cause temporary nitrogen deficiencies. Supplemental fertilization of disturbed areas that arc
to be revcgetated can insure the best and most vigorous seedling growths.
1~1appine Unit Number 30 - Moderately deep (20 to 40 inches to bedrock) and deep (more than 40
inches to bedrock), dark colored, well drained, medium to moderately fine textured (18 to 35 percent clay),
maturely developed soils having an Al, B2t, and C soil horizon sequence with well-developed horizons of
silicate clay accumulation (B2t horizons) occurring in parts of the study area where the mean summer soil
temperature (June, July, and August mean temperature measured at 20 inches) is 59°F or warmer.
Classification of ~1aior Components - The components listed below comprise the major part of the
m•: Aping unit:
.-~. Aridic Argiustolls (Chesnut Soils).
1. Fine-loamy, mixed, mcsic family.
(Carnero Series)
(Satanka Series)
(Hargreave Series)
(Ascalon Series)
B. Pachic Argiustolls (Chesnut Soils).
1. Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic.
(Sampson Series)
(Jarita Series)
• C. Aridic Argiborolls (Chcrnozcros)
I. Fine-loamy, mixed.
(ASSiniboine Series)
(Bostwick Series)
(Duffson Series)
D. Pachic Argiboroll (Chernozems)
1. Fine-loamy, mixed.
(Agner Series)
(Hesperus Series)
Extent and Alaior Areas of Occurrence -These may be considered the normal soils of the warmer part of
the mine area and occur on moderately to steeply sloping hill and valley topography. Typically they occur
on side hill locations but unless bedrock occurs close to the surface the}• occur on hill and ridge crests as
well. Slopes range from about 3 to 60 percent.
Physical Properties . The soils of mapping unit number 30 are mature soils with distinct genetic soil
horizonation and well developed, stable soil structure. This natural structure is essential to free movement
of air, tyatcr, and plant roots through the soil. The natural structure must be preserved for use in the
development of seedbeds.
The soils of this unit are medium to moderately fine textured and are subject to packing if traversed by
hca~y machines, or to irreversible puddling if they are handled vet. They can be worked over a moderate
ranee of soil moisture, but any work involving relocation of the soils will require good management to
insure continued eood physical conditions. These soils are considered good sources of seedbed materials.