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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 TyvekO 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 />10. Prime Farmland Determinations <br />10.1 Prime Farmland Determination -1988 and 1998 <br />The Norwood office of the NRCS has provided WFC with documentation that list the definitions and <br />criteria for categorizing soils as prime farmland, see Attachment 2.04.9 -4 and Attachment 2.04.9 -5. <br />These documents list the standards set by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural <br />Resource Conservation Service and the State of Colorado, Natural Resource Conservation <br />Service. <br />Peabody Coal Company conducted the initial soil survey for the mine in 1988, which included all <br />lands in the original permit area. These lands are those properties south of BB Road and east of <br />2700 Road. Intermountain Resource Inventories Inc. conducted the soil survey for the expansion <br />of the mine to the expanded permit boundary, which included lands north of BB Road and west of <br />2700 Road. The results of these surveys can be found in Map 2.04.9 -1, Attachment 2.04.9 -1, <br />Attachment 2.04.9 -2, and Attachment 2.04.9 -3. Soil type 70B and D70B lists Barx soil as a major <br />component and Barx as a secondary component (30 percent of map unit) in 98E on Map 2.04.9 -1. <br />Barx soil is listed as a prime farmland soil in the "Soil Survey of San Miguel Area, Colorado" if the <br />soil is irrigated by an adequate and dependable water supply. For the initial permit area east of <br />(Revised October 09) 2.04.9 -15 <br />