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(including that within this permit area) may limit or reduce the solubility of heavy metals concentration in waters near or adjacent to a coal mining operation. This fact, together with a low coal sulfur content (0.33 to 0.57 percent), more than likely accounts for the low trace metals found in the somewhat alkaline ground water on the permit site. In conclusion, impacts of the Colowyo surface mining operations on bedrock aquifers are confined to the permit area and are not expected to be significant. Alluvial Ground Water Potential impacts to alluvial ground water systems are discussed in Section XVII of this document. Generally, a slight potential for degradation of alluvial ground water was recognized in the permit application and the 1982 Findings Document. A plan was approved to monitor alluvial ground water on Goodspring and Wilson Creek. Results of monitoring indicate no detectable impacts on~alluvial ground water to date. The monitoring plan will be continued with modification to accommodate the proposed expanded mining operations. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c>, the assessment of the probable consequences of the proposed mining operation and the assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all anticipated mining in the area on the hydrologic balance, as described in Rule 2.05.6(3), have been made. The proposed operation has been found to be designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area. IV. TOPSOIL - RULES 2.04.9, 2.05.3(s), 2.05.4(2)(d) AND 4.06 The Soil Resource A description of the soil resource itself is found in the Summary section of this document, Description of the Environment, and in Section 2.04.9 and Exhibit 9 of the permit application. The three major soil types at Colowyo are the Work Loam, the Burnette Loam and the Campspass Fine Sandy Loam. The Work and Burnette units are generally deep, loamy textured soils with moderate permeability and high available water capacity. The physical and chemical properties of these two soils are well suited for reclamation use. The Campspass soil, however, is characterized by a shallow sandy loam A horizon less than six inches in depth. The B horizon is a heavy clay loam with hard columnar structure which Colowyo does not propose to salvage due to the sticky, plastic properties which make it less desirable for reclamation. If respread directly on regraded spoils, the clayey soil could hamper vegetation establishment due to the slow permeability and resultant droughtiness. In addition, surface runoff from such soils would be rapid and erosion hazard would be high from both wind and water. _2q_