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Soils Initial coal waste characterization performed in 1990 indicated unsuitably high sodium adsorption ratios (SAR), and moderately high electrical conductivity levels (EC). A primary concern with respect to cover depth requirements was the extent to which sodium salts might move upward into the replaced soil cover over time. Given this concern, a sampling program to document initial soil and refuse SAR and EC levels in the various test plots, and to re- sample SAR and EC levels in the same locations using the same sampling procedures at the conclusion of the study period was determined to be an important component of the study. In the March 2, 1990 draft study plan (the only version of the plan I have on file), it is stated that "one representative composite topsoil sample and one representative subsoil sample will be analyzed...", and that "two separate composite samples of the coal refuse, one from the north slope plot area and one from the south slope plot area, will be analyzed..." The draft study plan also stated that a "plant sample will be analyzed for selenium and boron content if the pre-reclamation investigation shows a high concentration of these elements in the refuse, topsoil, or subsoil." In a June 8, 1990 letter to Murari Shrestha of WFU, I indicated that analysis of the refuse sample I had collected suggested that "it would be prudent to sample incremental cover soil depths upon completion of test plot construction so that any upward movement of sodium over time could be monitored." In a follow-up letter of June 15, 1990, I included the following specific recommendation with respect to initial and subsequent test plot soil sampling: In both the north facing and south facing study area, a least one representative sample should be taken from the 12" cover depth plots. Also in both study areas, a least one representative sample should be taken from each 12" cover soil increment in the 48" cover depth plots. Sampling procedures and locations will need to bej documented to allow for valid comparison based on futurell, sample results. Each sample should be analyzed for texture, electrical conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio. By repeating the sampling in future years, it should be possible to determine whether any upward migration of salts is occurring. The results should provide some indication of the rate and extent of upward igration, if any, and the effect, if any, of soil depth nd slope exposure on salt migration. In a memorandum of July 10, 1992, to Janet Binns, I noted that a test plot evaluation proposal I had reviewed did not address soil sampling and analysis. I stated that soil sampling consistent with the procedures outlined in the June 15, 1990 letter should be undertaken as a part of the 1995 test plot evaluations. Notes I have from July 15, and July 17, 1992 telephone conversations with