2002-12-18_REVISION - M1999005 (2)

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Mr. Paul Banks October 9, 2002 Page 2 conditions, and locations of Wetland Data Sheets. Wetland Data Sheets are attached to this letter report. Scattered tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) occurs in portions of the site. Sporadic cattails (Typha latifolia) occur in the north and western portions of the site, and stands of inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) also occur towazds the southern and eastern portions of the site. One anthropogenic pond exists in the northeast comer of the site. This pond was reportedly constructed years ago prior to purchase by All Rite Paving & Redi-Mix. Cattails occur along the edge of the pond, with tamarisk upgradient of these. The pond does not have an inlet, outlet or other hydrologic connection to the Arkansas River. Therefore, the pond is "isolated" and not regulated under Section 404. No areas that meet the criteria for wetlands exist in the amendment area. Cattails, bulrush and tamarisk exist immediately to the west of the site and run along the fence line. A riparian azea associated with the Arkansas River is located immediately southeast of the site. An azea with inland saltgrass and some tamarisk extends 20 to 30 fee[ into the site along its southeastern boundary. However, this azea was determined not to meet the criteria for wetland since inland saltgrass is not rated as a wetland species in the central plains region, this plant is rhizominous and invades upland azeas, and no other hydrophytic species are present. Wetland Data Sheet No. 4 documents conditions in this azea. An area of tamarisk also exists along the northern portion of the southeast boundary. The azea of inland saltgrass and tamarisk along the southeast boundary are within the 200-foot setback that we understand has been agreed to with the Mine Land Reclamation Boazd for any mining. According to the Soil Survey of Otero County, soils on the site consist of Rocky Ford silty clay loam, Apishapa clay, Glenberg Bankazd sandy loams and Bankazd sand. These soils aze described as well drained soils formed in alluvium, except for the Apishapa clay, which is somewhat poorly drained. This latter soil, which occurs in a small band in the northern portion of the azea, is listed as a hydric soil due to its poor drainage. All of the soils aze listed as having a relatively low subsoil matrix chroma, which makes them poor indicators of wetland conditions. Soil pits dug on the site found most of the site to have clay or silty clay surface soils with a heavy clay subsoil. An area of fine sandy soils exists towazds the southern end of the site. The subsoil has a color of 10YR4/2 and 10YR4/1. Orange and gray mottles were observed in the subsoil at several locations throughout the site. The mottles and relatively low soil matrix chroma maybe caused by periodic flooding or high groundwater from the Arkansas River. Also, the Ft. Lyon canal and other imgation ditches exist upgradient of the site and may elevate groundwater, at least on a temporary basis. In terms of hydrology, no wetland hydrologic indicators were observed on the site. The site is located close to the Arkansas River and within the 100-yeaz floodplain. The site reportedly has flooded during relatively lazge flood events. The Ft. Lyon canal and irrigation ditches in the area may also affect groundwater levels.