2005-11-15_REPORT - C1982057 (5)

Home Browse Search

• 5. Yoast Mine Spoil Sampling (December 2004) — 4 randomly distributed locations at the Yoast Mine were sampled for regraded spoil. Mr. Roy Karo of Seneca Coal Company collected the samples. They were subsequently sent to CSU for analysis. The samples were numbered YSTRS -03 -01 through YSTRS- 03 -04. The attached map shows all sample locations. 2.0 Methods Each area to be sampled was delineated on a Seneca photobase map. All sample locations were randomly distributed across each area. All locations were sampled by tile spade and soil auger. A composite sample of the appropriate depth interval was collected at each location. Samples were screened in the field over a No. 10 (2mm) screen to remove hard rocks. Sample depth was noted for each location as well as other information if pertinent. Soil backhoe pits were located and dug by Seneca. In addition to soil sampling, a complete soil profile description was completed at each backhoe pit location. Soils description followed standard Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) field methods (Schoenberger et.al., 2002). Digital photographs were taken of each pit and adjacent landscape. All soil and spoil laboratory data was reviewed and approved by CSU Laboratory Director Mr. Jim Self. Jim Nyenhuis also reviewed the data and requested several reruns for confirmation purposes. All soil and spoil samples were analyzed by CSU. The soil fertility parameters included: • pH; electrical conductivity (EC); organic matter percent (Walkley -Black method); time estimate; texture estimate; and several nutrients and micronutrients (ppm by AB -DTPA Extract) including nitrate nitrogen (NO3 -N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). Overburden spoil parameters included: pH; electrical conductivity (EC); particle size (percent sand, silt, and clay by hydrometer), boron (B), acid -base potential (A:B potential), saturation percent; the same nutrients and micronutrients as for soil; and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) which is calculation requiring meq/L, of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). All field and laboratory data was evaluated for suitability based on standard threshold values for significant parameters, primarily EC, SAR, AB potential, and B (WDEQ, 1994). 3.0 Results Soil and Overburden Spoil Laboratory Results Four sets of laboratory data are attached to this report. Set 1 was reported on August 13, 2004 and includes the 25 topsoils sampled in June from 2W as well as 2 samples from the 2W topsoil backhoe pit #1; and the 25 topsoils sampled in June from Yoast as well as 6 • samples from Yoast topsoil backhoe pits #1 and 2. Set 2 was reported on August 27, 2004 and includes the 25 regraded spoils sampled in June from 2W. Set 3 was reported