PERMFILE66617

• Permit No: C1982056A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 9/14/2005
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.04 Information on Environmental Resources
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

• Table 2.04-1. Selected Observed Soil Core Parameters
Soil Core
# Depth of Rooting
(inches) Depth to Mottles
(inches) Depth to Water
inches)
1 23 na Na
2 25 12 41
3 8 na na
4 9 na na
5 48 na na
6 50 na na
7 54+ na na
8 40+ na na
9 47 70 105
10 19 na na
11 20 na na
12 20 na na
Maximum rooting depth at soil core #2 (Cumulic Cryaquoll) was observed into the seasonal high water table. Soil
mottling within the soil profile is a good indication of the depth of the seasonal high water table that can fluctuate
with the season and by year. Enhanced vegetation growth and plant species adapted to mesic and riparian sites was
also evident adjacent to soil core #2. Unconsolidated stream-laid sediments were observed at 25 inches and
exhibited free water within these unconsolidated gravels and coarse sands. Similar soil characteristics were
observed in the small drainage channel bisecting the ventilation pad area in Section 17 (Map 2S).
The maximum rooting depth at soil core #9 (Menbar series) was observed to a depth of 47 inches with a significant
decline in roots noted at shallower depths due to calcareous root restricting horizons. Unconsolidated stream-laid
sediments were observed below 105 inches and exhibited free water within these unconsolidated gravels and coarse
sands, however, no indicators of AVF soil characteristics were evident in this soil core within the rooting zone.
While this colluvial material may overlay water-bearing unconsolidated alluvial strata, these colluvial materials are
at a sufficient depth and contain shallow, calcareous root restricting horizons that prevent any subirrigation
potential. Reduced vegetation growth and production at this sampling site were evident from the plant species that
are more adapted to semi-arid, non-subirrigated sites. The field survey observed a distinct soil, vegetation, and
topographic boundary between the AVF and the upland portion of the study area containing the proposed
ventilation shaft facility access road.
Soil core descriptions, surface vegetation, and topographic relief indicate that the existing AVF boundary (as
previously defined in Exhibits 7b, 42a, and 46) along Fish Creek in Section 11 should be relocated as shown on
Map 1S. Approximately 800 feet of proposed road corridor in Section 11 has been relocated upgradient
approximately 100 feet to follow an existing abandoned farmstead access road and avoid potential wetland soils
along the stock pond shoreline. The remaining 6,314 feet of access road corridor from the fenceline at the south
end of the stock pond to the shaft pad have no soil limitations. Soil coring and geologic stratigraphy strongly
suggest that the entire ventilation shaft pad is located on a suitable upland Winevada soil series formed over
fractured sandstone bedrock parent material. While the previous AVF boundary (shown in green on Map 1S) is
located within the southwest comer of the shaft pad, the revised AVF boundary (shown in red on Map 1S) lies
outside of the proposed shaft pad location. Southern and western portions of the 500-foot buffer that overlay the
Fish Creek channel contain AVF and wetland soils (Map 1S). No sail mapping activities were performed on the
west side of the railroad corridor within the 500-foot buffer area since pad and shaft construction activities will not
• cross the railroad tracks. As construction activities are limited to the ventilation pad and northern and eastern
halves of the buffer area, no AVF or wetland soils will be affected.
TR 04-44 2.04-50.2 08/06/04