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Wesr E!k Mrne • The West Elk Mine site soil survey map was prepared during atwo-day field effort. During this period, the entire survey area was thoroughly traversed and transected to determine the location of mapping unit boundaries. Some 12 observation holes were angered to verify and determine the soil series present. In addition many surface horizon checks were made during the survey. Aerial photographs were used to prepare the soil survey map. Although, included in the original soil surveys for the mine site, a more detailed baseline soil investigation of the Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area was completed in July and October of 1996. A more detailed soil investigation was needed as the original survey did not anticipate surface disturbance. This baseline soils investigation is provided in Exhibit 27A. A current description of the soil series and associations within and adjacent to the permit azea is found in Exhibit 27 through Exhibit 29. Mapping Units Twenty-three mapping units were identified in the West Elk Mine study area during the original 1976 soil survey. Characteristics of each unit are summarized in Exhibit 27. The distribution of current SCS and USFS mapping units is shown on Map 40. Table 21 addresses the suitability of the mapping units for reclamation. Due to changes in mapping unit description and nomenclature in the soil surveys from 1976 to 1994, cross-referencing and clarification was • necessary. Table 22 identifies and correlates map units from the 1976, 1980 and current soil surveys. Four of the SCS's mapping units occur in the disturbed surface areas. Mapping unit number 31 came before the current SCS mapping unit number 2 - Absarokee -Work foams; mapping unit number 6 came before the current SCS mapping unit number 13 - Beenom-Absazokee Association. Two of the original mapping units, numbers 27 and 400, also occur on the plant site in the S Section 9, T13S, 1290W, but due to current mining activity on mapping unit number 27 and the rocky nature of mapping unit number 400, it is highly unlikely that any topsoil stripping will occur in these areas. Field verification of soils information will be conducted prior to construction. If aeeas of suitable seedbed material are encountered in mapping unit numbers 27 and 400, they will be stockpiled. The SCS soil mapping units are described in Exhibit 28. Soil Sampling_and Analysis 1976 Soil Survey Soil analyses were made by the Soil Survey Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado on samples taken from the predominant soils in each of the mapping units during the • 1976 soil survey. Only the most predominant and the most representative components of each unit were sampled. 2.04-127 Revised Jan. 1994 PROS; 8/94 7871,- Revised Jw. 1995 PRtM