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EXHIBIT I
Soils Information
The following soils information was gathered from the Soil Survey of Weld County Area,
Colorado, This information was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil
Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station.
The soil types impacted by the mining operation include the following:
• 3-Arguistolls Rock outcrop complex: 0 to 9 percent slopes
• 32-Kim-Mitchell complex: 6 to 9 percent slopes
• 39-Nucla loam: 6 to 9 percent slopes
• 52-Peetz-Altvan complex: 0 to 20 percent slopes
• 53-Peetz-Rock outcrop complex: 9 to 40 percent slopes
• 54-Platner loam: 0 to 3 percent slopes
• 61-Stomeham fine sandy loam: 0 to 6 percent slopes
• 64-Terry sandy loam: 0 to 3 percent slopes
• 76-Wages fine sandy loam: 6 to 9 percent slopes
Exhibit"I-1" is a soils map of the location of the Dunn Property site outlined.
erit
I-1
2000-0048
3—Argiustolls-Rock outcrop corrsx, 0 to 9
percent slopes. This map unit is on siightly dissected to
moderately dissected plains.
This unit is about 45 percent Argiustolls and about 35
percent Rock outcrop. The individual components of this
unit are in areas so narrow that it was not practical to
map them separately at the scale used.
Included in this unit are small areas of Olney, Renohill,
and Stoneham soils. Included areas make up about 20
percent of the total acreage.
Argiustolls are deep, well drained, dark-colored soils.
The surface layer is loam, fine sandy loam, or silt loam.
The subsoil is sandy day loam, clay loam, or silty clay
loam. The content of clay in the subsoil increases with
depth. The substratum is calcareous loam, silt loam, or
sandy loam.
Permeability of the Argiustolls is moderate. Available
water capacity is moderate to high. Effective rooting
depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is medium to rapid,
and the hazard of water erosion is slight to high. The
hazard of soil blowing is moderate.
Rock outcrop consists mainly of exposed areas of
sandstone scattered throughout the unit.
This unit is used as rangeland.
The potential plant community on the Argiustolls is
mainly blue grama, western wheatgrass, sedges, and
buffalograss. The average annual production of air-dry
vegetation ranges from 400 to 1,500 pounds.
If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred
forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
of preferred species is maintained in the plant •
community.
Management practices that are suitable for use on this
unit are proper range use, deferred grazing, and rotation
grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed, protection from
erosion is needed. Loss of the surface layer results in a
severe decrease in productivity and in the potential of
the soil to produce plants suitable for grazing.
This unit is poorly suited to windbreaks and
environmental plantings. It is limited mainly by the areas
of Rock outcrop.
This map unit is in capability subclass Vls,
nonirrigated. The Argiustolls are in Loamy Plains range
site.
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(^ both. Other miaagement practices that are suitable for
use on this urlre proper range use, deferred grazing,
and rotation grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed,
protection from erosion is needed. Loss of the surface
32—Kim-Mitchell complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes. layer results in a severe decrease in productivity and in
This map unit is on moderately dissected to highly the potential of the unit to produce plants suitable for
erTh dissected plains and alluvial and colluvial fans. grazing.
This unit is about 45 percent Kim loam and 35 percent This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
Mitchell silt loam. The components of this unit are so environmental plantings. It is limited mainly by the hazai
intricately intermingled that it was not practical to map of soil blowing where the surface layer is barren of
them separately at the scale used. vegetation. Only small areas or strips should be cleared
Included in this unit are small areas of Haverson loam, for tree planting. Soil blowing can be reduced by
Thedalund loam, Keota loam, and soils that have slopes cultivating only in the tree rows and by leaving a strip o1
of less than 6 percent. Included areas make up 20 vegetation between the rows. Supplemental irrigation
percent of the total acreage. The percentage varies from may be needed when planting and during dry periods.
one area to another. This map unit is in capability subclass Vle,
The Kim soil is deep and well drained. It formed in nonirrigated. The Kim soil is in Loamy Plains range site,
calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Typically, the and the Mitchell soil is in Siltstone Plains range site.
surface layer is light brownish gray loam 3 inches thick.
The subsurface layer is light brownish gray clay loam 4 39—Nucla loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes. This deep,
inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 well drained soil is on moderately dissected plains. It
inches or more is light gray loam. The soil is calcareous formed in calcareous loamy alluvium.
throughout. Typically, the surface layer is brown loam 4 inches
Permeability of the Kim soil is moderate. Available thick. The subsoil is clay loam 10 inches thick. The
water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 substratum to a depth of 60 inches or more is clay loam.
inches or more. Runoff is medium to rapid, and the Included in this unit are small areas of Ascalon fine
hazard of water erosion is high. The hazard of soil sandy loam, Bushman fine sandy loam, and Nunn loam.
blowing is moderate. Included areas make up about 15 percent of the total
The Mitchell soil is deep and well drained. It formed in acreage.
calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Typically, the Permeability of this Nucla soil is moderate. Available
surface layer is brown silt loam 7 inches thick. The water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60
subsurface.Layer is very pale brown silt loam 5 inches inches or more. Runoff is medium, and the hazard of
thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 inches or water erosion is moderate to high. The hazard of soil
more is very pale brown silt loam. The soil is calcareous blowing is moderate.
throughout. This unit is used as rangeland.
T\ Permeability of the Mitchell soil is moderate. Available The potential plant community on this unit is mainly
water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 blue grama, western wheatgrass, sedges, and
inches or more. Runoff is medium to rapid, and the buffalograss. The average annual production of air-dry
hazard of water erosion is high. The hazard of soil vegetation ranges from 400 to 1,300 pounds.
blowing is moderate. If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred
This unit is used as rangeland. forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
The potential plant community on the Kim soil is preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
mainly blue grams, western wheatgrass, sedges, and grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
buffalograss. The average annual production of air-dry of preferred species is maintained in the plant
vegetation ranges from 400 to 1,300 pounds. The community.
potential plant community on the Mitchell soil is mainly Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor
blue grama, western wheatgrass, and fourwing saltbush. condition. The plants selected for seeding should meet
The average annual production of air-dry vegetation the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or
ranges from 400 to 1,500 pounds. both. Other management practices that are suitable for
If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred use on this unit are proper range use, deferred grazing,
forage plants decreases and the proportion of less and rotation grazing. If plant cover is disturbed,
preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock protection from erosion is needed. Loss of the surface
grazing should be managed so that the desired balance layer results in a severe decrease in productivity and in
of preferred species is maintained in the plant the potential of the soil in this unit to produce plants
community. suitable for grazing.
Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
condition. The plants selected for seeding should meet environmental plantings. Supplemental irrigation may be
the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or needed when planting and during dry periods.
This map unit is in capability subclass Vle,
nonirrigated, and in Loamy Plains range site.
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52—Peetz-Altvan complex, 0 ton--percent slopes. 4"
This map unit is on upland ridges, breaks, and plains.
This unit is about 40 percent Peetz gravelly sandy needed. Loss of the surface layer results in a severe
loam and about 35 percent Altvan fine sandy loam. The decrease in productivity and in the potential of the unit to
,,rte Peetz soil is on shoulders of upland ridges and breaks. produce plants suitable for grazing. Slope limits access
r ' The Altvan soil is on upland ridgetops and on moderately by livestock and results in overgrazing of the less sloping
dissected to highly dissected plains and high plains. The areas.
individual components of this unit are in areas so narrow The Peetz soil is poorly suited to windbreaks and
that it was not practical to map them separately at the environmental plantings. The main limitations are the
scales used. high content of lime, low available water capacity, and
Included in this unit is about 25 percent Bushman fine steepness of slope.
sandy loam, Paoli fine sandy loam, and Otero sandy The Altvan soil is well suited to windbreaks and
loam. environmental plantings. It has few limitations.
The Peetz soil is deep and somewhat excessively This map uhit is in capability subclass Vle,
drained. It formed in calcareous gravelly alluvium. nonirrigated. The Peetz soil is'in Gravel Breaks range
Typically, 15 to 35 percent of the surface is covered with site, and the Altvan soil is in Loamy Plains range site.
gravel, cobbles, and small stones. The upper part of the
surface layer is grayish brown gravelly sandy loam 4 53—Peetz-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 40 percent
inches thick, and the lower part is brown very gravelly slopes. This map unit is on shoulders of breaks and
loamy sand 4 inches thick. The underlying material to a escarpments.
depth of 60 inches or more is calcareous very gravelly This unit is about 40 percent Peetz gravelly sandy
sand. loam and about 30 percent Rock outcrop. The individual
Permeability of the Peetz soil is rapid. Available water components of this unit are in areas so narrow that it
capacity is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 was not practical to reap_them separately at the scale
inches or more. Runoff is slow, and the hazard of water used.
erosion is slight to moderate. The hazard of soil blowing Included in'this unit are small areas of Bushman fine
is slight to very high. sandy loam, Otero sandy loam, and Paoli fine sandy
The Altvan soil is deep and well drained. It formed in loam on foot slopes of terrace escarpments; Treon fine
calcareous gravelly alluvium. Typically, the surface layer sandy loam and Tassel loamy fine sand on the upper
is dark grayish brown fine sandy loam 3 inches thick. part of the backslopes and shoulders of terrace
The subsoil is sandy clay loam and clay loam 16 inches escarpments; Altvan sandy loam on the upper part of the
thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches or more is shoulders of terrace escarpments; and soils that are
gravelly coarse sand. In some areas the surface layer is moderately deep to sandstone and are on the lower part
r loam. of the shoulders of terrace escarpments. Included soils
Permeability of the Altvan soil is moderate. Available make up 30 percent of the total acreage. The
water capacity is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 percentage varies from one area to another.
inches or more. Runoff is medium, and the hazard of The Peetz soil is deep and somewhat excessively
water erosion is slight to very high. The hazard of soil drained. It formed in calcareous gravelly alluvium.
blowing is moderate. Typically, 15 to 35 percent of the surface is covered with
Most areas of this unit are used as rangeland. A few gravel and cobbles. The surface layer is grayish brown
areas are used as a source of gravel. gravelly sandy.loam_4 inches thick. The underlying
The potential plant community on the Peetz soil is material to a depth of 60 inches or more is calcareous
mainly blue grama, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and very gravelly sand.
prairie sandreed. The average annual production of air- Permeability of the Peetz soil is rapid. Available water
dry vegetation ranges from 600 to 1,200 pounds. The capacity is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches
potential plant community on the Altvan soil is mainly or more. Runoff is slow,and the hazard of water erosion is
blue grama, needleandthread, western wheatgrass, and very high. The hazard of soil blowing is slight.
prairie sandreed. The average annual production of air- Rock outcrop consists mainly of exposed areas of
dry vegetation ranges from 500 to 1,500 pounds. sandstone. These areas form the vertical face of
If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred escarpments and the shoulders and backslopes of
forage plants decreases and the proportion of less colluvial fans.
preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock This unit is used as rangeland.
grazing should be managed so that the desired balance The potential plant community on the Peetz soil is
of preferred species is maintained in the plant mainly blue grama, little bluestem, sideoats grama, and
community. prairie sandreed. The average annual production of air-
Management practices that are suitable for use on this dry vegetation ranges from 600 to 1,200 pounds.
unit are proper range use, deferred grazing, and rotation If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred
grazing. Mechanical treatment is not practical because of forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
the stony surface and the steepness of slope. If the preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
plant cover is disturbed, protection from erosion is grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
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of preferred species is maintained in the plant buffalograss. The & rage annual production of air-dry
community. vegetation ranges from 500 to 1,500 pounds.
If the plant cover is disturbed, protection from erosion If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred
is needed. Loss of the surface layer results in a severe forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
/� decrease in productivity and in the potential of the unit to preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
f produce plants suitable for grazing. Slope limits access grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
by livestock and results in overgrazing of the less sloping of preferred species is maintained in the plant
areas. community.
Management practices suitable for use on this unit are Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor
proper range use, deferred grazing, and rotation grazing. condition. The plants selected for seeding should meet
Livestock grazing should be managed to protect the unit the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or
from excessive erosion. Mechanical treatment is not both. Other management practices that are suitable for
practical because of the areas of Rock outcrop and the use on this unit are proper range use, deferred grazing,
steepness of slope. and rotation grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed,
This unit is poorly suited to windbreaks and protection from soil blowing is needed. Loss of the
environmental plantings. The main limitations of the surface layer results in a severe decrease in productivity
Peetz soil are the high content of lime, moderate and in the potential of the soil to produce plants suitable
available water capacity, and steepness of slope. for grazing.
Supplemental irrigation may be needed when planting This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
and during dry periods. environmental plantings. Supplemental irrigation may be
This map unit is in capability.subclass VIls, needed when planting and during dry periods.
nonirrigated, and in Gravel Breaks range site. This map unit is in capability subclass IV, nonirrigated,
and in Loamy Plains range site.
54—Platner loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes. This deep,
well drained soil is on smooth to slightly dissected plains
and adjacent stream terraces. It formed in calcareous
loamy alluvium.
Typically, the surface layer is,grayish brown loam 4
inches thick. The subsoil is clay, clay loam, and silty clay
loam 20 inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60
inches or more is calcareous fine sandy loam and sandy
loam.
Included in this unit are small areas of Ascalon fine
`.� sandy loam, Manzanola clay loam, and Nunn clay loam.
Also included are soils that have a fine sandy loam or
sandy loam surface layer.
Permeability of this Platner soil is slow. Available water
capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or
more. Runoff is slow, and the hazard of water erosion is
slight. The hazard of soil blowing is moderate.
This unit is used as nonirrigated cropland and
rangeland. Winter wheat is the main crop.
This unit is well suited to winter wheat, barley, oats,
and sorghum. Low annual precipitation is the main
limitation for the crops that can be grown on this unit.
Because precipitation is not sufficient for annual
cropping, a cropping system that includes small grain
and summer fallow is most suitable. Precipitation usually
is too low for crops on this unit to make efficient use of
fertilizer.
Maintaining crop residue on or near the surface
reduces runoff, reduces soil blowing, and helps to
maintain soil tilth and organic matter content. Stubble-
mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum tillage help to
control erosion and conserve moisture. Terraces reduce
runoff and the risk of erosion and help to conserve
moisture.
The potential plant community on this unit is mainly
blue grams, western wheatgrass, sedges, and
fl er".
61-Stoneham fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent
slopes. This deep, well drained soil is on smooth to
moderately dissected plains and alluvial fans. It formed
in calcareous loamy alluvium.
Typically, the surface layer is pale brown fine sandy
loam 5 inches thick. The upper 3 inches of the subsoil is
clay loam, and the lower 6 inches is calcareous loam.
The substratum to a depth of 60 inches or more is
calcareous sandy loam.
Included in this unit are small areas of Kim soils and
Mitchell soils. Included areas make up about 15 percent
of the total acreage.
Permeability of this Stoneham soil is moderate.
Available water capacity is moderate. Effective rooting
depth is 60 inches or more. Runoff is rapid, and the
hazard of water erosion is slight to moderate. The
hazard of soil blowing is moderate.
Most areas of this unit are used as rangeland. A few
areas are used as nonirrigated cropland. Winter wheat is
the main crop.
The potential plant community on this unit is mainly
blue grama, western wheatgrass, sedges, and
buffalograss. The average annual production of air-dry
vegetation ranges from 500 to 1,500 pounds.
If the range is overglazed, the proportion of preferred
forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
of preferred species is maintained in the plant
community.
Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor
condition. The plants selected for seeding should meet
r the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or
both. Other management practices that are suitable for
use on this unit area proper range use, deferred grazing,
and rotation grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed,
protection from erosion is needed. Loss of the surface
layer results in a severe decrease in productivity and in
the potential of the soil to produce plants suitable for
grazing.
This unit is-suited to winter wheat,barley, oats, and
sorghum. Because precipitation is not sufficient for
annual cropping„ a cropping system that includes small
grain and summer fallow is most suitable. Precipitation
usually is too low for crops on this unit to make efficient
use of fertilizer.
Maintaining crop residue on or near the surface
reduces runoff, reduces soil blowing, and helps to
maintain soil tiilth and organic matter content. Stubble-
mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum tillage help to
control erosion and conserve moisture. Terraces reduce
runoff and the risk of erosion and help to conserve
moisture.
This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
environmental plantings. It has few limitations.
Supplemental irrigation may be needed when planting
and during dry periods. Summer fallow, cultivation for
weed control, and selection of adapted plants are
needed to insure establishment and survival of
seedlings.
/"Th
64—Terry sandy loam, 0 to 3 percf" slopes. This 76—Wages fines loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes.
moderately deep, well drained soil is orrrr-amooth to This deep, well drain oil is on moderately dissected
moderately dissected plains. It formed in calcareous plains. It formed in calcareous loamy alluvium.
sandy residuum derived from sandstone. Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown fine sandy
Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown sandy loam 4 inches thick. The subsoil is sandy clay loam 8
loam 5 inches thick. The subsoil is sandy loam 12 inches inches thick. The substratum to a depth of 60 inches or
thick. The substratum is calcareous loamy sand 15 more is calcareous loam.
inches thick. Sandstone is at a depth of 32 inches. Included in this unit are small areas of Kim and
Depth to sandstone ranges from 20 to 40 inches. Mitchell soils.
Included in this unit are small areas of Olney fine Permeability of this Wages soil is moderate. Available
sandy loam, Vona sandy loam, Tassel loamy fine sand, water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60
and soils that have a subsoil of sandy clay loam and inches or more. Runoff is medium to rapid, and the
have sandy shale at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. Included hazard of water erosion is moderate. The hazard of soil
areas make up about 20 percent of the total acreage. blowing is moderate.
Permeability of this Terry soil is moderately rapid. This unit is used as rangeland.
Available water capacity is moderate. Effective rooting The potential plant community on this unit is mainly
depth is 20 to 40 inches. Runoff is slow, and the hazard blue grama, western wheatgrass, sedges, and
of water erosion is slight. The hazard of soil blowing is buffalograss. The average annual production of air-dry
moderate. vegetation ranges from 400 to 1,300 pounds.
Most areas of this unit are used as rangeland. A few If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred
areas are used as nonirrigated cropland. Winter wheat is forage plants decreases and the proportion of less
the main crop. preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock
The potential plant community on this unit is mainly grazing should be managed so that the desired balance
blue grama, prairie sandreed, and needleandthread. The of preferred species is maintained in the plant
average annual production of air-dry vegetation ranges community.
from 800 to 2,000 pounds. Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor
If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred condition. The plants selected for seeding should meet
forage plants decreases and the proportion of less the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or
preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock both. Other management practices that are suitable for
grazing should be managed so that the desired balance use on this unit are proper range use, deferred grazing,
of preferred species is maintained in the plant and rotation grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed,
community. protection from erosion is needed. Loss of the surface
Range seeding is suitable if the range is in poor layer results in a severe decrease in productivity and in
condition: The plants selected for seeding should meet the potential of the soil to produce plants suitable for
^ the seasonal requirements of livestock or wildlife, or grazing.
both. Other management practices that are suitable for
use on this unit are proper range use, deferred'grazing, This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
and rotation grazing. If the plant cover is disturbed, environmental plantings. Supplemental irrigation may be
protection from soil blowing is needed. Loss of the needed when planting and during dry periods.
surface layer results in a severe decrease in productivity This map unit is in capability subclass Vle,
and in the potential of the soil to produce plants suitable nonirrigated, and in Loamy Plains range site.
for grazing.
This unit is suited to winter wheat, barley, oats, and
sorghum. Because precipitation is not sufficient for
annual cropping, a cropping system that includes small
grain and summer fallow is most suitable. Precipitation
usually is too low for crops on this unit to make efficient
use of fertilizer.
Maintaining crop residue on or near the surface
reduces runoff, reduces soil blowing, and helps to
maintain soil tilth and organic matter content. Stubble-
mulch farming, striperopping, and minimum tillage help to
control erosion and conserve moisture. Terraces reduce
runoff and the risk of erosion and help to conserve
moisture.
This unit is well suited to windbreaks and
environmental plantings. The main limitations are
restricted rooting depth and low available water capacity.
Supplemental irrigation may be needed when planting
and during dry periods. Summer fallow, cultivation for
weed control, and selection of adapted plants are
needed to insure establishment and survival of
seedlings.
This map unit is in capability subclass IVe,
nonirrigated, and in Sandy Plains range site.
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