2012-02-15_REPORT - C1981008 (17)

Home Browse Search

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), & the Morgan Family. In September several test pits relating to TR61 were excavated in the nonstriped area ahead of mine progress; 3 pits in soil Zone 4 and 2 pits in soil Zone 5. In December several test pits were excavated with a trackhoe and several cores samples were taken on the various Lift A, Lift B, and Mixed topsoil stockpiles. Several field tests were performed along with field descriptions of each sample site. The samples were identified, bagged, than sent to a third party lab for results. KEY -AG (Key Agricultural Services, Inc. of Macomb, IL.) is in process of collecting data and it will be available at a later date. Spoil Quality The spoil sampling and analysis program approved for Permit C -81 -008 with PR -06 for New Horizon Mine is described in Section 2.05.4(2)(d) -4 Regraded Spoil Monitoring Program. A new soil testing program with expanded field and analytical parameter was started in 2008 the field and analytical parameters were further modified in 2010. Both topsoil and spoil samples are shipped to an independent laboratory for required analysis. The analytical results (Attachment 2011 -A) indicate that all samples are of suitable quality. No additional grading, special handling, or soil amendment applications took place in 2011. Soil Redistribution in general, the topsoil used for redistribution is live handled from ahead of the active mining area to the awaiting backfill area. There are a total of 8 soil Zones west of 27 road. Three are located north of BB and west of 27 roads (non- Morgan area). Occasionally, mining parameters require that some topsoil be stockpiled adjacent to a lay down area prior to spreading. Currently the area south of BB Rd and west of 27 Rd (Morgan property) is handled in this manner. This area has 5 different topsoil zones that vary in thickness; A Lift (top) & B Lift (lower), and Mixed (a combination of A & B); all are considered to be prime farmland. These zones are striped and placed into their respective stockpiles. These zones will be laid down as per Section 2.05.4(2)(d) Topsoil Handling, Stockpiling and Redistribution. The different Soil Zones are noted in Attachment 2011 -6 as are the required depths for each Zone. Topsoil Thickness The thickness of topsoil replaced during 2011; located north of BB & west of 27 roads (Zone 7) was verified by the soil survey with depths ranging from 1.2ft — 2.0ft (14- 24inches) with an average of 1.5 feet (18inches) depth. Zone 7 requires 12- 20inches of topsoil replacement thickness with a minimum average thickness of 13inches. Exhibit 2011 -6 depicts the 6.8 acres that were topsoiled in Zone 7. Sample sites for the NH 2 mining area were selected systematically utilizing a 465 foot by 465 foot grid pattern. Sites at NH 2 were derived from CAD drawings using distances and azimuths from established survey points and located in the field by a survey grade GPS unit. A backhoe or hand auger excavated the entire soil strata. An abrupt boundary, defined by color and rock fragment content, typically occurred at the soil /spoil interface. The replaced soil thickness was measured on the cut bank or hole. Soil thickness as determined by past sampling is shown on Exhibit 2011 -6. New Horizon 2 has several different soil thickness requirements and is noted on Map 2.05.4 -4 in section 2.05.4(2)(d) of the current Permit C -81 -008 and is noted on Exhibit 2011 -6. F: \Eng \DATA \Word \Ann Reclaim Report \2011 \2011RECRPT.doc 2