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• The SCS describes the Carracas loam as occurring in the yellow pine zone on slopes from <br />25 to 65%. The soil unit consists of a surface horizon of loam generally described as ranging <br />from 0 to 4 inches in thickness. This surface horizon is underlaid by sandy loam and <br />generally sandy clay loam to weathered bedrock. This layer is generally described as ranging <br />from 4 to 14 inches in thickness. The pH of the surface horizon has been described as <br />ranging from 5 to 7.3, while that of the underlying materials ranges from 5.6 to 7.8. Salinity <br />expressed in mmhos/cm has been described as less than 2 for this soil unit. <br />Nunn loam occurs in drier zones on slopes of 4 to 25%. This soil unit consists of a surface <br />horizon of loam ranging from 0-10" in thickness. This surface horizon is underlaid by clay <br />loam and gravelly, sandy clay loam. The clay loam has been described as ranging from 10- <br />47" in thickness. The pH of this unit ranges from 6.6 to 7.8 for that of the surface horizon. <br />The clay loam and gravelly, sandy clay loam pH ranges from 7.4 to 8.4. Salinity in this soil <br />unit has also been described as less than 2 mmhos/cm. <br />The recommendations made by members of the CMLRD were incorporated into the site <br />specific soil analysis. In accordance with said recommendations, five composite random soil <br />samples were taken. Four samples were taken from proposed permit area, or that area <br />which will be affected by surface coal mining operations, and one sample was taken from <br />an area which will not be affected by such operations during the term of the permit. The <br />Soil Map (Map 5) describes the location of the sample sites. The accepted methods of soil <br />analysis as described in the Wyoming Guideline #1 were utilized for all soil analysis. Also, <br />• as suggested by the CMLRD and approved in the Colorado Coal Mining Company Permit <br />#80-59, the soil samples were tested for pH, electrical conductivity, saturation percentage, <br />particle size, texture, soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium, sodium absorption ratio, boron, <br />selenium and organic matter. <br />A total of 10 samples were analyzed for 15 different parameters. The data collected within <br />the permit is found in Table 8, Soi] Analysis Report. <br />Interpretation of Soils Analysis <br />The discussions and conclusions described below are based upon examination of the data <br />yield from the soil samples collected during the field work conducted in September, 1980. <br />Further, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality suitability ratings for soil in <br />Table 9, Suitability Ratings for Soils as Sources of Topsoil Material, were utilized in drawing <br />conclusions on topsoil suitability. The soil analysis presented on Table 8 were segregated <br />by horizon based upon visual inspection as to color, texture, friability, etc. <br /> <br />Ten samples were analyzed~for pH. Ranges from 5.3 to 7.4 were encountered, with only two <br />samples having results less than 6.0 (5.3 and 5.9). Other than those two rather ]ow levels, <br />the predominant levels recorded were in the mid to upper 6 and 7 pH range. In accordance <br />• 2.04-28 <br />