2000-01-24_REVISION - M1977193 (7)

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EXHIBIT I -- SOILS INFORMATION Please refer to the original permit document for soils information. The following information pertains specifically to the amended acreage area: Soil Conservation Service site analysis in 1977 and 1985 with site reclamation Flan comments are valid and appropriate, and the final reclamation plan as presented has been developed from this input. Original soils information references "type" areas, Hhich do not necessarily occur on this site, as no soil is available for stockpiling and later use. The reclamation of the final pit will entail a soils investigation program prior to the execution of the topsoil haul to the site at the end of life of mine. The 131 acre addition of affected land includes app. 30 acres of mineable granite: rock, a projected 40 acres of final pit azea, and 71 acres of alluvium outwash and moderately developed soils along the eastern one half of the proposed amendment acreage. The outwash alluvium materials will be utilized for the siting of sediment pond(s) to contain and dissipate storm related surface flows which may intersect the mining area. "'he alluvium and developed soils areas will also afford the mine operator suitable planting media to be used for final reclamation of the pit areas. These areas will be assessed for depth and volume of soils available for use prior to final reclamation of the pit area shown on the Reclamation Plan Map Exhibit F. The Soil Survey map of Fremont County, Colorado, lists the soils mapped in thi ~ area as Ustic Torriorthents-Sedillo complex, a soils complex which forms on fan terrace edges and hills. The steep terrace edges are formed by deep dissection of the fan terrac;es by streams. The Sedillo soil is deep and well drained . It formed in gravelly and cobbly alluvium derived dominantly from granite. The surface layer is typically dark brown extremely cobbly loam about 4 inches thick. The soil thickness is variable, frorc~ six inches to more than 60 inches of loamy to bouldery loam. Permeability is moderate in the Sedillo soil. Available water capacity is low. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Typically, the soil is neutral to a depth of about 10 inches. It is moderately alkaline to a depth of 42 inches and mildly alkaline below that depth. Runoff is rapid or very rapid, and hazard of water erosion is high, albeit moderated by a thick layer of cobbles and boulders which typically covers 25-50% of the surface. The Sedillo unit is commonly used for livestock grazing and non-commercial woodland. 15