Laserfiche WebLink
~~ iii iiiiiiiiniiiiii <br />3.5 Soils Resource Information <br />• <br />A soils resource inventory was conducted on those areas to be <br />disturbed by surface activities for NCEC's proposed underground <br />coal mine near New Castle in Garfield County, Colorado. The <br />overall objective of the soils assessment was to identify, locate, <br />and determine the suitability and extent of the site soils as <br />salvageable topsoil material (See Appendix 3.5-1). <br />3.5.1 MethodoloaV <br />3.5.1.1 Soil Survey <br />A soil survey of the surface disturbance areas was conducted <br />following the standards of the National Cooperative Soil Survey <br />(Soil Survey Staff, 1951, 1975). An aerial photograph at a scale <br />of approximately 1 inch = 500 feet was used as the base map. The • <br />area was traversed by a soil scientist and numerous soil pedons <br />were examined. Soil texture, consistence and depth, presence of <br />rock fragments and other soil parameters affecting the suitability <br />for topsoil were noted. Soils were assigned to map units, either <br />consociations, or where the nature and complexity of the soils <br />warranted, complexes or associations. The boundaries of each map <br />unit were then delineated on the aerial photograph and map unit <br />symbols applied to each delineation. <br />A typical profile description was made within each mapping unit <br />including a physical description of each horizon encountered to a <br />depth of 60 inches. <br />3.5.1.2 Soil Sampling and Analysis <br />Upon completion of the soil survey, representative pedons were <br />chosen for sampling. Sample procurement followed recommended Soil • <br />NCEC - Coal Ridqe #1 3-54 ABC/1145/900301 <br />