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BLM Eas[ Gravel Pit <br />Exhibit [ <br />Soils Information <br />SOILS: The Jackson County Soil Survey maps the gravel pit area as a Brinker[-Morset association, with a <br />small portion to [he north being a Bosler sandy loam. From the soil descriptions, it appeazs that a field <br />verification would map the entire pit as being in a Bosler sandy loam. Due to the long-term operation of <br />the gravel pit, it is important [hat sufficient topsoil is stockpiled to adequately reclaim the entire pit azea and <br />road. From the soil survey, neither the Brinkert nor the Bosler soil mapping unit has an A horizon (best <br />topsoil) with much depth (3-Sinches). <br />Topsoil will be imported as needed to promote revegetation and existing topsoil would be carefully handled <br />and stockpiled. Monitoring of existing topsoil removal and stockpile preservation would be required. The <br />topsoil stockpile shall be signed and kept distinct from subsoil's stockpiled for fill material, and all soil <br />stockpiles should be seeded to improve stability and to improve soil fertility for the duration of the mining <br />operation. <br />GEOLOGY AND MINERALS: The area consists of agravel-capped mesa, underlain by Tertiary <br />Coalmont and Cretaceous Pierre Formations. The gravel cap is mined and exposed in [he existing gravel <br />pit on the south part of the mesa. The base of the gravels is seen in a large part of this pit, exposed in <br />nearly flat contact with silts and shale's of the underlying Coalmont Fm. Bedrock. Coal, and oil and gas <br />leasable mineral resources underlie the site. Even though the mesa lies on [he southwest flank of the <br />McCallum oil and gas structure, there is minimal conflict with these resources, as: (1) the site will be <br />available for drilling after the pit is gone (reclaimed); (2) suitable drill sites exist around the perimeter of <br />the mesa; and (3) the main area of interest for oil and gas lies 1 mile north and east of the site, on the <br />anticlinal axis. Coal underlies the mesa, but recent history indicates that coal mining in this area is unlikely <br />for the duration of the gravel mining at this site. There are abundant reserves of better and more easily <br />mined coal located several miles to the east of this mesa. <br />The Proposed Action would directly result in excavation of an estimated 650,000+ cubic yards of excellent <br />quality sand and gravel, while maximizing the excavation potential and resource use at this site. The <br />projected volume would meet Jackson County's needs for an extended period of time, thereby indirectly <br />reducing or eliminating the need for other pits in the area. <br />10 <br />