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-g- GENE.4AL DESCRIPTION OF TBE EYISTINC ENVIRON~dENT The proposed operation is Zocated in southwestern Colorado approximately 22 miles southwest of Pagosa Springs. Elevation of the area is approximately 6400'. The proposed permit area lies in tha upper rim of the San Juan Basin. The San Juan Basin is an asymmetric structural basin in northwestern New :•fexico and southwestern Colorado. Rocks in the area are sedimentary of marine and non- marine origin. Sedimentary rocks were formed through the transgression and regression of an eoicontinental sea. Coal seams to be mined are found in the Fruitland Formation. This Formation is composed of interbedded sandstone, silts tone, shale, carbonaceous sandstones and coal. Three coat seams of economic importance are found in this Formation. Fiining operations will remove all three seams. Two ground water systems are found in the area; a deep bedrock aquifer located below the coal, and an alluvial ground ~,r.=.tez~ aquifer associated with Stollsteirr~r Creek. The major sur_`ace water system in the area is Stollsteimer Creek. Sma11 intermittent drainages empty into this system. Stollsteimer then discharges to the Pi edra River sus tem. Two soil types are found within the proposed permit area; the Nunn loam and Carracas Loam. The Carracas Loam is the only soil type which will be disturbed by the :Wining operation. This is a slightly acid to neutral soil ranging in thickness from 4" to 14". This soil is highly suitable as a plant growth medium, exhibiting good texture and water-holding capability. The proposed permit area is dominated by a mountain shrub plant community, with Gambels oak being the predominant species. The predominance of Gambels oak is expected in this area given oast disturbances, elevation, moisture and exposure. A small portion of the permit area is introduced pasture and utilized by the land- owner for grazing purposes.