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• ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE INFORMATION - RULE 2.04 <br />LAND USE INFORMATION - RULE 2.04.3 <br />As explained on 'page 2.04-3 of the application, the soils within the <br />area to be disturbed by the surface facilities of the underground mine <br />are limited in their agronomic usefulness. This limitation is due <br />primarily to the coal fines found in the soil and the amount of soil <br />disturbed by previous operations. The area to be used by the surface <br />facilities by the Bear No. 3 Portals is extremely small (only about 15 <br />acres), and it is almost constantly shaded because of its location on <br />the south side of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Historically, <br />there have been no agricultural activities on this type of land found <br />around Somerset. Downstream, the area around communities such as <br />Paonia, Colorado, provides more adequate area for agricultural purposes. <br />It is highly unlikely, given the extremely small size of the area, the <br />• climatic conditions, and the lack of sunshine, that this area should <br />ever be used for farming activities. The economics just do not justify <br />agricultural activities. <br />The potential productivity or yield of the Breece Loam is as follows: <br />• Favorable years: 2,000 pounds/acre air dried forage <br />• Unfavorable years: 1,500 pounds/acre air dried forage <br />• Normal years: 1,700 pounds/acre air dried forage <br />This data is based on the range site description for hiountain Shale from <br />the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. <br /> <br />-31- <br />