1987-03-10_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A

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Comment 3. RESPONSE: The following differences are evident between Tab 9, Appendix C, Table 1, Page 55 (WDEQ Topsoil Suitability Criteria) and Attachment 9-4, Table 9-4-2, Page 9-4-14 ( 1986 Topsoil or Topsoil Substitute Suitability Criteria) : Table 9-4-2 is less stringent for pH (i .e. , 4.5 versus 5.0) and saturation percentage ( i .e. , 85 percent versus 80 percent) . Table 9-4-2 has been revised to incorporate updated pH and saturation percentage suitability criteria levels of 5.0 and 80 percent, respectively. The only criterion which significantly limits topsoil salvage at the existing Nucla Mine is the coarse fragment percentage. Both WDEQ and Table 9-4-2 have an identical threshold level of 35 percent for unsuitable material . Therefore, overall topsoil quality will not be impacted by utilizing the criteria information contained in revised Table 9-4-2. Comment 4. RESPONSE: Tab 9, Attachment 9-4 contains the 1986 baseline soil survey information for the 103.6 acre study area which encompasses Mining Areas 2 and 3. Table 9-4-3 (Page 9-4-15) lists the areal extent of individual soil map units identified in the vicinity of Scraper Pit Mine Areas 2 and 3. The individual map units and the boundary for this soil survey area is shown on Exhibit 9-4, Soil Types and Topsoil Salvage Depths , Scraper Pit Area . The baseline soil survey study area extended well beyond the anticipated disturbance limits on Exhibit 12-1 , Operations Plan. Tab 9, Attachment 9-3 contains Topsoil Balance information for all soil map units which will be disturbed. Revised Table 9-3-2 (Page 9-3-7) lists those map unit designations in Mining Areas 1 , 4, and 5 (see Exhibit 12 , Operations Plan) which are or will be disturbed by mining activities during the permit period. New Table 9-3-3 (Page 9-3-8) lists those map unit designations in Mine Areas 2 and 3 (see Exhibit 12-1 , Operations Plan) which will be disturbed by mining activities during the 13