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In areas disturbed in connection with tunnel face- <br /> up work, soil horizons have been too thin to support vegeta- <br /> tive growth individually . <br /> Consequently, analysis of the plant growth potential <br /> has been done of the combined soil horizons . The report of <br /> the certified soil scientist, Dan Champion, employed by Mid- <br /> Continent to analyze soils , is that, in the tunnel area : <br /> "The soil of the area examined is of good quality <br /> and should pose no problems at all with respect to <br /> toxic element releases . Also , the Mancos Shale tested <br /> is of a very benign nature, and likewise should not <br /> show any problems . Re-vegetation of the area should <br /> proceed normally with respect to soil quality . <br /> "Although the soil is of good quality, it will be <br /> difficult to stockpile, since it is laden with fairly <br /> large size sandstone rocks and, in places , is quite <br /> thin t.o more concentrated rock. However, with some <br /> care, sufficient soil should be available for revege- <br /> r_ative purposes . <br /> "The sediment pond areas appear to have soil of <br /> good quality, and , as tested , show no apparent toxic <br /> detriments . <br /> "The vegetation consists of spruce-aspen mix <br /> (about 175 spruce and 80 aspen per 100 feet) and aspen <br /> (about 200 trees per 100 feet) . The undergrowth is <br /> largely snowberry with some service berry . In places <br /> where there is grass, it has been grazed . " <br /> SOURCE : Dan Champion <br /> "Report on Soil <br /> Samples . 1979" <br /> Testing indicates that, in the permit area as a <br /> whole, the major plant nutrients (nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus <br /> and potassium) are somewhat low, and a fertilization program <br /> may have to be undertaken prior to revegetation . <br /> Note: If materials other than topsoil are used to revegetate <br /> the mine portals and roads analyses will be conducted as proposed <br /> by MLRD to insure that trace minerals will not post any problems . <br /> G -16- <br /> I <br />