1988-04-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (5)

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the soil environment: 1) organic nitrogen associated with soil humus, 2) ammonium nitrogen associated with clay minerals and organic matter, and 3) soluble nitrate compounds. Most of the soil nitrogen is in the organic form and is slowly released, through microbial action, as ammonium and nitrate. This nitrification process requires nitrifying bacteria, a carbon source, oxygen, water, and favorable soil temperatures. Nitrate and ammonium analyses are generally determined on overburden and interburden material which will serve as a growth or aquifer medium. Nitrogen levels influence soil productivity as well as ground water quality. Two other sources of nitrogen are associated with the mining operation. First, an ammonium-based foam which is a sodium-free-alcohol fatty acid is used during exploration drilling and overburden core drilling, when absolutely necessary, to maintain better circulation of water and cuttings (Peabody Coal Company, 1987). Second, ammonium nitrate is mixed with fuel oil and the mixture is used to load blasting holes ahead of the mining operation (Reeder and Sabey, 1987). Boron. This essential plant micronutrient serves as an activator in numerous enzyme systems (Donahue, et al., 1977). Boron is needed by plants in only very minute amounts and the range between boron deficiency and boron excess is not great. If present in excess concentrations, plant toxicity symptoms may appear. Also as pH decreases, the solubility and the potential for boron toxicity increases. Elevated boron levels are frequently found in arid soils where salts have accumulated near the surface. High levels of calcium in the soil decrease the severity of boron toxicity (Traynor, 1980). Molybdenum and Selenium. Some native plants tend to accumulate high levels of molybdenum and selenium in their tissues. High levels of selenium are often associated with primary and secondary indicator plants (USDA, 1957). Elevated molybdenum levels often occur in legumes (especially white sweet clover) which require it for nitrogen fixation (Neuman and Munshower, 1983). Although these elements are essential for animals, when overingested by the grazing animals, molybdenum or selenium toxicity may occur (Donahue et al ., 1977). Molybdenosis is especially acute at low copper concentrations and is felt by some to be molybdenum induced copper deficiency. It is usually corrected by supplementing feed rations with copper. Manganese and Iron. Manganese with the aid of iron are catalysts in the synthesis or production of chlorophyll (Tiedemann and Lopez, 1982). Manganese and iron deficiences are 6-1-19 Revised 04/11/88