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West FJk Mine <br />and X38. Mapping unit numbers 1, 6, and X6 are predominately shallow soils. In these units the <br />composite sample was from the surface to the top of the bedrock. Mapping unit number 38 is a <br />deep forested soil and the composite sample was of the upper four feet The samples represent an <br />average of condifions within the wne of maximum rooting of the most important components of <br />each mapping unit and are not specific for any one major soil horizon. Exhibit 26 presents the <br />results of soil analyses conducted on the original 1976 mapping units for the West Elk Mine <br />study area. <br />1980 Soil3tlney <br />During the 1980 survey, soil samples were collected for analysis in those instances where <br />substantial areas of soil were mapped or when there was a question as to the relative suitability of <br />the mapping unit <br />Soils were sampled and described by exposing the solum with a shovel and then sampling below <br />this point with a bucket auger. Samples were collected by soil horizon to that depth at which soils <br />appears suitable for topsoiling material. If this depth was questionable, samples were collected <br />below the depth in question to determine the chemistry of this material. Soil sample locations are <br />indicated on Map 41. Samples were collected on August 20 and 21, 1980. Analysis was performed <br />upon submittal to Energy laboratories, Billings, Montana on September 11, 1980, using procedures <br />specified by the Wyoming Depazmtent of Environmental Quality. Exhibit 30 contains analytical <br />results for those soils sampled on the survey area <br />• General Limitations for Use: Permit Area <br />A brief summary of some of the major soil limitations, or lack of them, follows: <br />Salinity and Sodium Concentration <br />lvo mappable field evidence of detrimental accmnulations of sodium or other soluble salt within the <br />normal root zones of plants high enough to affect the morphology of the soils was found. Localized <br />evidence was found of some detrimental sodium concentration around small seeps in areas of <br />mapping unit S located in Sections 8 and 17, Township 145, Range 90W. This was confirmed by an <br />analysis of one such area which showed the soil to have 52 percent exchangeable sodium (refer to <br />Analysis Sample Alo. 179 in Exlu~bit 26); however, this applied to the very limited area around a few <br />seeps. Since these observations and results are within the general area but are outside the mine area, <br />it is unlikely that they will be involved in any direct mining or reclamation operation <br />Calcium and MaQrresium Carbonate Concentrations <br />Most of the soils of the study area do not have horizons of secondary carbonate accumulation Units <br />16, 17, and 33 have such horizons but with the possible exception of unit 33, the genetic <br />concentration of carbonate is small to moderate. Calcium carbonate equivalents in units 16 and 17 <br />range from about 4 to 15 percent with an average estimated to about 8 percent <br />Under normal c;t,c~,.r,~ran~ the genetic concentration of carbonates occurs below the wne of <br />2Qf-730 I/94 PR05; 8947871; Re~+Lcedhm.7995 PR06,~.lfmch 2006PR70 <br />