REP38719

• Permit No: C1981025
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 1/12/1988
• Doc Name: 1987 RECLAMATION INFORMATION SNOWMASS COAL CO NORTH THOMPSON CREEK MINES & LOADOUT FACILITIES PN C
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

' SOILS REPORT
SNOWMASS COAL COMPANY
SEPTEMBER 23, 1987
' Twelve samples of soil taken from the Snowmass Coal Company's re vegetation
were presented for analysis in September, 1987. The soils were air-dried and
' ground to pass through a 1 mm sieve. A portion was withheld from the grinding process
for textural analysis. Some fragments of shale were present in several of the samples
' and these fragments were removed from the samples for the textural analysis. The
' remainder of each sample was subjected to accepted chemical and physical analyses.
FERTILITY RESULTS
' The fertility of the soils is quite typical of most western Colorado soils
developed over or near marine shale formation. Where precipitation is adequate,
' the soils will support varied and relatively abundant plant growth. However, nitrogen
~~5,~~a
' and phosphorus levels are generally low. Potassium and copper levels are adequate
and iron, zinc and manganese levels are abundant. Table 1 shows the sample descriptions
as written on the sample containers. The sample designated by "I", or the #1 mine
fan site soil, is by far the most fertile. See table 2 for individual soil fertility
' results. The coal/soil sample, "X", is the least fertile. Fertilizer recommendations
will be found at the conclusion of this report.
'
SALINITY RESULTS

' The saliniti es of the soil sample are in the medium to low ranges and reflect
a good drainage i n the soils. The pH's of the soils are acceptable and are quite
t common to the pH' s of the soils of the area. Only one of the samples ( "I") had
an acid pH. The sodium adsorpt ion ratios indicate a low sodium hazard and infiltration
1 it
f
i
ti l
h
b i
i
prec
o
p
a
on ou
d not
s
e h
ndered by excess sod
um. See table 3 for specific
' results.