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the salability of heavy metals concentration in waters near or adjacent to a coal rrrming operation. <br />This fact, together with a low coal sulfur content (0.33 to 0.57 percent), more than likely <br />accounts for the low trace metals found in the somewhat alkaline ground water on the permit site. <br />In conclusion, impacts of the Colowyo surface mining operations on bedrock aquifers aze <br />confined to the permit area and are not expected to be significant. <br />Alluvial Ground Water <br />Potential impacts to alluvial ground water systems aze discussed in Section XVII of this <br />document. Generally, a slight potential for degradation of alluvial ground water was recognized <br />in the Permit and the 1982 Findings Document_ A plan was approved to.monitoralluvial ground <br />water on Goodspring and Wilson Creek. Results of monitoring indicate no detectable impacts on <br />.alluvial ground water to date. <br />Pursuant to Rule Z.07.6(Zxe}; the assessment ofthe probable consequences ofthe proposed <br />mining operation and the assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all anticipated mining <br />in the azea on the hydrologic balance, as described in Rule 2.05.6(3), have been made. The <br />proposed operation has been found to be designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic <br />balance outside the petntit azea... <br />IV. Topsoil -Rules 2.049, 2.053(s); 205 4(2)(d) sad 4.06 <br />The Permit has been found to be in compliance with Rules 2.04.9, 2.05.3(s), 2.05.4(2)(d) and <br />4.4Gwitlt.regard to-tke pr~etto4 o€topsoil xesotxrees_'Fhe Ekvisiort has agprQVeE}alternativa <br />procedures. for topsoil protection following removal based. on a demonstration that such <br />alternative procedures will provide more protection for the topsoil [Rule 4.06.1(2)]. <br />A. The Soil Resource <br />A description of the soil resource is-found in the Summary section of this document; Description , <br />of the Environment and in Section 2.04.9 and Exhibit 9 of the Permit. The three major soil types <br />at Colowyo aze the Work Loam, the Barnette Loam and the Campspass Fine Sandy Loam. The <br />Work and Barnette units are generally deep, loamy textured soiks,with,moderate permeability and <br />high available water capacity. The physical and chemical properties of these two soils are well <br />suited for reclamation use. The Campspass soil; however, is characterized by a shallow sandy . <br />loam A horizon less than six inches in depth. The B horizon is a heavy clay loam with hard <br />columnar structure which Colowyo does not propose to salvage due to the sticky, plastic <br />properties which make it less desirable for reclamation. If spread directly on regraded spoils, the <br />clayey soil could hamper vegetation establishment due to the slow permeability and resultant <br />droughtiness. In addition, surface runoff from such soils would be rapid and erosion hazazd <br />would be high from both wind and water. <br />October 21, 2002 33 <br />