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<br />Soil Pie - Spoil Pertility - Spoil Quality <br />Soil fertility-and spoil quality samples are collected peiiodica23y from shallow postmine <br />soil pits which are randomly located. The postmine Boil pits are also used to evaluate <br />plant rooting characteristics and to compare soil/spoil profile data with site specific <br />revegetation data. <br />postmine soil pits are placed within reclamation blocks that have been Boiled and seeded <br />for a minimum of three years. Similar minimum time frames are used for monitoring postmine <br />vegetation. The permanent vegetation has generally established sufficiently after three to <br />four years to evaluate interactions between rooting characteristics and soil/spoil quality <br />(Schafer et. al., 1979). <br />Seneca Coal Company did not conduct spoil or soil monitoring during [he 1995 calendar year <br />due to the limited amount of final graded spoil available. Historical soil and spoil <br />quality data for the 1983 through 1988 reclamation blocks are presented and discussed in <br />previous Topsoil and Spoil Monitoring reports (PCC, 1987 and 1989) and the Annual <br />Reclamation Reports (PCC, 1991,1992, 1993, 1994) that have been submitted to the Division. <br />Additional soil/spoil fertility samples are planned for the 1996 field season. <br />Spoil Sampling in the Lennox Highwall Reduction Area. <br />SCC is required to sample Einal graded spoil Erom the Lennox highwall reduction area on a <br />300 Eoot grid and test for sodium. Exposed sodic strata with an unsuitable SAR level will <br />either be buried in the final pit or covered with two to three feet of suitable spoil prior <br />to soil replacement- Pinal grading was initiated in the Lennox highwall reduction area <br />during the 1994 field season. Pinal grading was completed prior to October 1, 1995 as <br />specified in the Division's February 1, 1995 letter. Spoil samples will be collected from <br />[his area before soil is replaced, which should ba during the 1996 field season. <br />Wolf Creek Spoil <br />SCC is required to sample and analyze final graded spoil from the Wolf Creek mining area <br />prior [o soil replacement. Spoil is sampled on a 300 Eoot horizontal grid and tested for <br />pH, acid base potential (AHP), and soil salinity (EC). Suitable spoil topdzeaeing <br />(subsoil) is replaced prior to soil redistribution where acid errs to (pH <5 and AHP <-51 <br />are encountered. The monitoring program is outlined on Pages 6-153, 6-153a, 6-169, and 9- <br />Z <br />