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• Introduction SECTION 2.04.9 SOILS RESOURCE INFORMATION This report presents information about the soil resources on the New Horizon Mine study area in Montrose County, Colorado. Soil maps and data contained in this report have been prepared to assist WFC and the Colorado Department of Minerals and Geology (CDMG) in examining the soil resources of the area with respect to their potential use in mined land reclamation efforts. Detailed soil surveys of the study area were conducted in 1988, 1996 and 1998. These Order 1 soil surveys, with sampling, were conducted by ERT/Peabody Coal (1988), and Intermountain Resource Inventories Inc. (IRI Inc.)(1996 and 1998) on approximately 575, 80, and 430 acres, respectively. Surveys conducted in 1996 and 1998 included re-surveying portions of the 1988 survey in addition to additional areas. The final survey is a composite of these three surveys and is represented in Map 2.04.9-1. Map 2.04.9-1 also shows the boundaries of the original surveys. Soil in map units ofthe 1998 survey differfrom those in the 1988 and 1996 survey as a result of recent changes in soil taxonomy (USDA - NRCS, 1999). These changes resulted in soils being classified differently than in the 1998 and 1996 survey. Based on • these detailed soil surveys, recommended topsoil salvage depths were determined for each soil mapping unit. Objectives The basic objectives of this study are to characterize the physical and chemical properties of site soils and depths to which they may be salvaged as a source of topsoil for reclamation purposes. Thus, the site- specific characteristics of the soil that may influence soil salvage, stockpiling, and redistribution were inventoried. This inventory entailed the following. • Determination and delineation of soil mapping units. • Description and sampling of representative horizonsofeachsoilseriesandhighertaxonomicunits for chemical and physical characteristics. (REVISED 2/00) 2.04.9-1