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• <br />Mountain Coal Company Exhibi~ 27 <br />West Elk Mine Characteristics of West Elk Mine Soil Mapping Units <br />A. Aridic Argiustolls (Chesnut Soils). <br />1. Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic family. <br />(Ryus Series) <br />(Emigrant Series) <br />(Dagflat Series) <br />B. Pachic Argiustolls (Chesnut Soils). <br />i. Fine. montmorillonitic, mesic famiiv. <br />(Series unidentified) <br />C. Aridic Argiborolls (Chernozems). <br />]. Fine, montmorillonitic family. <br />(Holderness Series) <br />(Morop Series) <br />(Absarokee Series) <br />r 1 <br />~_ ~ <br />D. Typic Argiborolls (Chemozems). <br />1. Fine, montmorillonitic family. <br />(Work Series) <br />E. Pachic Argiborolls (Chernozems). <br />1. Fine, montmorillonitic family. <br />(Hughes Series) <br />Extent and Major Areas of Occurrence - Mapping unit number 31 has a large total <br />acreage and occurs throughout the mine area at elevations less than 7,800 feet. The <br />lazgest azeas occur in the western, central, and northern parts of the mine area. <br />Characteristic Tonoeranhv -These soils occur on moderately to steeply sloping hill and <br />valley topography. Typically they occupy side hill locations, but unless bedrock is close <br />to the surface, they occur on hill and ridge crests as well. Slopes range from about 3 to <br />60 percent. <br />Physical Properties - The soils of mapping unit number 31 are mature soils having <br />distinct genetic horizonation and well developed stable soil structure. This structure is <br />essential to the free movement of air, water, and plant roots throtigh the soil. If these <br />soils are to be used for new seedbeds, it is important that this natural structure be <br />preserved. <br />The soils of this unit are fine textured (more than 35 percent clay) and are subject to <br />. packing if traversed by heavy machinery and are irreversibly puddled into dense <br />impermeable masses if handled wet. They can be successfully worked over only a <br />narrow range of soil moisture without loss of desirable physical properties. <br />Exhibit 27-25 <br />