2011-09-29_PERMIT FILE - M2009056

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swell factor. In addition, the acreage to store and timeframe for storage of these piles during active operation could be greater than what is being identified in the proposed action. Cumulative Impacts: Most of the present day mining has been occurring in this area since the early 1980's due to the viability and accessibility of sand, gravel and gold in this area. Therefore if through the supply and demand process sand and gravel remains a need in this region, it is feasible a mine operation could be initiated in another nearby location to meet this need. Mitigation/Residual Effects: None SOILS (includes a finding on Standard 1) Affected Environment: The soil type in the proposed area is Hodden sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes. The soil profile is described below; • A horizon 0 to 4 inches: Sandy loam • B Horizon 4 to 8 inches: Very gravelly sandy loam • C Horizon 8 to 12 inches: Very gravelly sandy clay loam This soil has a very low water holding capacity and the depth to the water table is greater than 80 inches. The erosion hazard of these soils is rated as slight by the NRCS. Environmental Effects Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Impacts: The Proposed Action would allow a mine covering slightly less than five acres to be located on the public lands. This mine would consist of an open pit on approximately 1.5 acres with equipment and materials covering most of the rest. Initially topsoil would be pushed into a berm around the perimeter of the mine area and seeded and planted as recommended by Natural Resource Conservation service for stabilization. These top soils are very shallow, only the top 8 inches should be removed and seeded. The top soil from the access road and any roads inside the 5 acre project site will be stockpiled and seeded. Cumulative Impacts: The stockpiling and seeding of removed top soil will minimize the cumulative impact to the soil resource in this area. Mitigation/Residual Effects: The top soil from the access road and any roads inside the 5 acre project site will be stockpiled and seeded. No Action Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: If no action is taken, the proposal would not be discretionary under the 1872 mining law. The applicant would still be able to proceed with mining on the parcel; however the sale of sand and gravel would not be permitted. Overall, this would have the same effects on soil resources as the Proposed Action, but there would probably be a hill left after reclamation rather than a pit. Cumulative Impacts: Cumulative impacts under the No Action Alternative would be similar to the Proposed Action. 24