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IV. Topsoil -Rules 2.04.9, 2.05.3(s), 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06 The Permit has been found to be in compliance with Rules 2.04.9, 2.05.3(s), 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06 with regards to the protection of topsoil resources. The Division has approved alternative procedures for topsoil protection following removal based on a demonstration that such altemative procedures will provide more protection for the topsoil [Rule 4.06.1(2)]. A. The Soil Resource A description of the soil resource itself is found in the Summary section of this document, Description of the Environment, and in Section 2.04.9 and Exhibit 9 of the Permit. The three major soil types at Colowyo aze the Work Loam, the Burnette Loam and the Campspass Fine Sandy Loam. The Work and Burnette units are generally deep, loamy textured soils with moderate permeability and high available water capacity. The physical and chemical properties of these two soils aze well suited for reclamation use. The Campspass soil, however, is chazacterized by a shallow sandy loam A horizon less than six inches in depth. The B horizon is a heavy clay loam with hazd columnaz structure which Colowyo does not propose to salvage due to the sticky, plastic properties which make it less desirable for reclamation. If spread directly on regraded spoils, the clayey soil could hamper vegetation establishment due to the slow permeability and resultant droughtiness. In addition, surface runoff from such soils would be rapid and erosion hazazd would be high from both wind and water. B. Topsoil Salvage Operations Information on topsoil salvage methods is found on pages: 2.04.9-16, 2.05-2, 2.05-4 and -5, 2.05-24 through 2.05-27 and 4.06-1 through 4.06-3 of the Permit. Additional information can be found in Exhibit 9 and Maps 5 and 6 of the Permit. In general, the topsoil handling plan calls for removal of all A and B horizon materials with the 45 Revised October 30, 1997