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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 -8. <br />10. Prime Farmland Determinations <br />10.1 Prime Farmland Determination - 1988 and 1998 <br />The Norwood office of the NRCS provided WFC in the mid 1990's with the document "Important <br />Farmland Inventory Colorado- October 1982" (Attachment 2.04.9 -5) and WFC did an internet <br />search (July 2010) for the latest version of the National Soil Survey Handbook Chapter 657.5 <br />(Attachment 2.04.9 -4) that list the definitions and criteria for categorizing soils as prime farmland <br />for the initial permit. Attachment 2.04.9 -5 which is the "1982 Important Farmland Inventory <br />Colorado" has erroneous information in it and should not be used but is left in this document for <br />historical purposes. Mr. Dave Dearstyne of the NRCS Montrose Colorado Office researched and <br />found the erroneous pH level statement in the Important Farmland Inventory Colorado document <br />and discussed the error in his 11 February 2008 letter. See Attachment 2.04.9- 5A for Mr. <br />Dearstyne's letter. <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 />(Revised July 2010) 2.04.9 -9 <br />