1988-04-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A ‎(53)‎

• Permit No: C1981008A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/29/1988
• Doc Name: Soil Baseline Study Nucla East Study Area
• Section_Exhibit Name: Tab 9 Attachment 9-5
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

TAB 9
ATTACHMENT 9-5
SOIL BASELINE STUDY
Introduction
This report presents information about the soil resources on the Peabody Coal Company
(PCC) Nucla East study area in Montrose County, Colorado. Soil maps and data contained in
this report have been prepared to assist PCC and the Colorado Department of Natural
Resources Mined Land Reclamation Division (CMLRD) in examining the soil resources of the
area with respect to their potential use in mined land reclamation efforts.
Detailed soil surveys were conducted from June 24 through July 2, 1987, and March 8-9,
1988 of the entire study area which includes the proposed Nucla East mine permit area, the
associated disturbance area, and additional area for future mine expansion. These Order 1
soil surveys, with sampling, were conducted by ERT and PCC on approximately 575 and 32
acres, respectively.
Based on these detailed soil surveys, soil suitability ratings were generated by soil
horizon for each mapped soil series and soil family. Recommended topsoil salvage depths
were determined for each soil series and soil mapping unit.
This report addresses the objectives, methods, and results of the 1987 and 1988 soil
surveys. The soil investigations were conducted in accordance with CMLRD rules and
regulations with supporting consultation.
Objectives
The basic objectives of the field investigations were to map and sample the soils of the
PCC Nucla East study area in sufficient detail to characterize their physical and chemical
properties and depths to which they may be salvaged as a source of topsoil for reclamation
purposes. Thus, the site-specific characteristics of the soil that may influence soil
salvage, stockpiling, and redistribution were inventoried. This inventory entailed the
following.
o Determination and delineation of soil series and soil mapping units.
9-5-4 Revised 04/11/88