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I Topsoil and spoil samples are shipped to Servi-Tech Laboratories in Hastings, NE for • analysis. The analytical results (see Attachment 2006-A) indicate that all samples are suitable. No additional grading, special handling, or amendment application is needed. Soil Redistribution In general, the topsoil that was used for redistribution is live handled from ahead of the active mining area to the awaiting backfill area. Because the material is moved by mine equipment and is scheduled amongst the other mining functions, discrete topsoil campaigns as done in the past are no longer conducted. Occasionally, mining parameters require that some topsoil be stockpiled adjacent to a laydown area prior to spreading. Soil Thickness The thickness of soil replaced during 2006 was verified by 9 sample sites. Sample sites for the New Horizon 2 mining area were selected systematically utilizing a 467 foot by 467 foot grid pattern. Sites at New Horizon 2 were determined from CAD drawings using distances and azimuths from established survey points and located in the field by a handheld GPS unit. A 2-3/4 inch hand auger was used at each site to excavate a pilot hose through the entire soil strata. An abrupt boundary, defined by color and rock fragment content, typically occurred at the soil/spoil interface. The replaced soil thickness was measured through the pilot hole immediately after encountering the spoil. Minor Revision # 44 was approved by DMG in August 2000. The revision, based on years of extensive sample analysis, allowed • for a reduction in the parameters for which the soil is analyzed. Soil thickness as determined by past sampling is shown on Exhibit 2006-6. Soil thickness information for each sample site is located on the map. The average topsoil thickness for the 2006 sampling session is approximately 1.7 feet. The New Horizon 2 has a minimum requirement of 0.8 feet for topsoil placement. Attachment 2006-A lists the topsoil analysis as required by our permit. New Horizon 2 has many different soil thickness requirements as shown on Map 2.05.4-4 in section 2.05(2)(d) of the current Permit C-81-008. Exhibit 2006-8 shows the type and area of the reclaimed land. Soil Salvage and Storage All suitable soil has been salvaged ahead of mining at New Horizon 2. Approximately 77,368 cubic yards (Pre 1995 LIFT 2), 18,643 cubic yards (Pre 1995 LIFT 1), 42,387 cubic yards (Pre 1995 MIXED) and 237,231 cubic yards (2006 LIFT1), a total of 375,629 cubic yards of soil are stored in stockpiles at the end of 2006. A total of 177,720 cubic yards will be needed to replace 2006 disturbance, this leaves a topsoil balance of 59,511 cubic yards. Exhibit 2006-10 (2006 Topsoil Balance Map) gives detail. The soils were separately stockpiled by soil types as specified by our permit. Cover Crog • All long-term topsoil stockpiles have been planted with the approved cover crop seed mixture.