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The sampling site location and number were plotted on the field map as accurately as possible. <br />One 2-quart sample was taken to represent each natural soil horizon or contrasting layer within the <br />depth to 72 inches or bedrock, whichever was shallower. <br />Samples were collected from hand-dug pits, three-inch diameter auger holes or backhoe trenches <br />that were dug at all soil sampled sites. The sampled soil material was placed in clean, labeled, <br />polyethylene plastic or Tyvek® bags, and was kept cool and as dry as possible to limit chemical <br />changes. The upper horizons of many profiles were moist upon sampling and were air dried prior <br />to shipment to IML in Sheridan, Wyoming (1988) or Colorado State University (1996 and 1998) for <br />analysis. Each sample was split at the laboratory with one portion being used for analysis and the <br />archival portion retained for additional tests, if necessary. The analysis of the samples is shown in <br />Attachment 2.04.9-7. <br />Prime Farmland Determination <br />The Montrose County NRCS district office in Norwood, Colorado, was contacted for determination <br />of prime farmland status for the study area. In addition, onsite evaluations were made to determine <br />whether prime farmland existed. The pre-mine soil survey (I RI, 1998) did not define any soil within <br />the permit boundary as being "prime farmland". However, in February 2008, the NRCS stated that <br />soil units 98A and 98E as mapped by IRI qualified as prime farmland (see Attachment 2.04.9-10). <br />Part of the reason for this reversal was due to a typographical error in the previous NRCS <br />documentation. Therefore, Technical Revision 57 (TR-57) to the mine permit was submitted to the <br />DRMS in March 2008 to address the changes in prime farmland and in the topsoil handling <br />procedures. All mine operations in the areas designated "prime farmland" occurring from February <br />2008 forward conform to the proposed handling procedures for these soils. As of February, 2008, <br />the eastern portion of the prime farmland (west of 2700 Road and south of BB Road) has been <br />backfilled with subsoil. It is also demonstrated that the subsoil placed in this area meets the <br />suitability criteria outlined in Table 2.04.9-2. See Attachment 2.05.4(2)(d)-1 for Walsh <br />Environmental Scientist and Engineers Report. <br />(Revised June 2008) 2.04.9-12