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the material is found to contain any toxic or physically unstable properties that might pose <br />an environmental problem. <br />Information on the geology of the area to be mined can be found in Exhibits 7 and 14 of <br />the permit renewal application. <br />Soils <br />Soils in the area are characterized as moderately deep well-drained loam soils with a very <br />dark-colored surface layer. Variability in the characteristics of the soils in the area is <br />primarily due to slope and topography. Deeper soils are located in the valley bottoms and <br />at the foot of slopes while shallower soils occupy the steeper side slopes. <br />Since mining at the O.C. Mine No. 2 began prior to statues requiring topsoil salvage, no <br />topsoil was salvaged in construction of the mine benches and associated facilities. Topsoil <br />was salvaged during construction of the sediment pond in sufficient quantity (600 cubic <br />yards) to spread to a depth of 2 inches over the entire disturbed area. This depth generally <br />would not be adequate for reclamation, but the topsoil and subsoil are sandy foams with a <br />slightly acidic pH, low electrical conductivity, low SAR, and good to moderate water-holding <br />capacity. Thus, the mixture of topsoil and subsoil material is of good quality for use as plant <br />growth media. <br />The topsoil may be stored for up to 45 years, but degradation of biological processes should <br />not occur since the storage pile will be undisturbed and is a maximum of 4 feet thick. The <br />topsoil stockpile has been seeded with native species and stabilized. <br />Information on soils can be found in Exhibit 4, Table I-3 and page lOc <br />Vegetation <br />The vegetation within the vicinity of the mine is characterized as open sage brush-grassland <br />that consists of sagebrush and grasses with scattered stands of aspen. This area is used <br />primarily for grazing during the summer months and for wildlife habitat. The mine is near <br />a boundary of the Gunnison National Forest. The big sagebrush community is the only <br />vegetation type that has been disturbed by the mining operation. Three vegetation types <br />were sampled to characterize the area. The baseline vegetation inventory showed that no <br />endangered species were present near the mining area. <br />Information on revegetation can be found in Exhibit 4 and pages 9 through lOc. <br />Information on soils can be found in Exhibit 4 and pages 10, lOc, 12 and table I-3. <br />O.C. Mine No.2 Findings 9 May 15, 1992 <br />