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thickness and sample map), and 2004-7 (backfill spoil sample map), shows the locations of <br />the sample sites along with the thickness of the topsoil replacement. <br />• Spoil QualityThe spoil sampling and analysis program approved for New Horizon Mine is <br />described in Section 2.05.4(2)(d)-4 Regraded Spoil Monitoring Program of Permit C-81- <br />008. Ten topsoil samples and three backfill spoil samples for 2004 were collected from <br />within the New Horizon 2 area. The topsoil samples were collected by a hand auger and <br />the backfill samples were collected from the sidewalls of four foot deep pit excavated with a <br />rubber tired backhoe or from a 4 foot deep soil auger hole. Each backfill sample site <br />consists of two subsamples, one of the 0 to -2 ft interval and one of the -2 to -4 ft interval, <br />so the sample identifiers are given the suffix A and B, respectively. <br />Topsoil and spoil samples are shipped to Servi-Tech Laboratories in Hastings, NE for <br />analysis. The analytical results (see Attachment 2004-B) indicate that all samples are <br />suitable. No additional grading, special handling, or amendment application is needed. <br />Soil Redistribution <br />In general, the topsoil that was used for redistribution is live handled from ahead of the <br />active mining area to the awaiting backfill area. Because the material is moved by mine <br />equipment and is scheduled amongst the other mining functions, discrete topsoil <br />campaigns as done in the past are no longer conducted. Occasionally, mining parameters <br />require that some topsoil be stockpiled adjacent to a laydown area prior to spreading. <br />Soil Thickness <br />The thickness of soil replaced during 2004 was verified by ten sample sites. Sample sites <br />• for the New Horizon 2 mining area were selected systematically utilizing a 467 foot by 467 <br />foot grid pattern. Sites at New Horizon 2 were determined from CAD drawings using <br />distances and azimuths from established survey points and located in the field by a <br />handheld GPS unit. <br />A 2-3/4 inch bucket augerwas used at each site to excavate a pilot hole through the entire <br />soil strata. An abrupt boundary, defined by color and rock fragment content, typically <br />occurred at the soil/spoil interface. The replaced soil thickness was measured through the <br />pilot hole immediately after encountering the spoil. Minor Revision # 44 was approved by <br />DMG in August 2000. The revision, based on years of extensive sample analysis, allowed <br />for a reduction in the parameters for which the soil is analyzed. <br />Soil thickness as determined by past sampling is shown on Exhibit 2004-6. Soil thickness <br />information for each sample site is located on the map. Attachment 2004-A lists the topsoil <br />analysis as required by our permit. <br />New Horizon 2 has many different soil thickness requirements as shown on Exhibit 2004-8, <br />which is in section 2.05.4-4 of the current permit. This shows the type and area of the <br />reclaimed land. <br />Soil Salvage and Storage <br />All suitable soil has been salvaged ahead of mining at New Horizon 2. Approximately <br />• 77,368 (LIFT 2), 171,352 (LIFT 1), and 45,647 (MIXED) cubic yards of soil are stored in <br />stockpiles at the end of 2004 as shown on Exhibit 2004-10 (2004 Topsoil Balance Map). <br />The soils were separately stockpiled by soil types as specified by our permit. <br />(F:\eng\data\word\ann reclaim rpt\2004recrepo.doc) <br />