Soil surveys by Westech soil scientists range in complexity from those designed in accordance with state or federal regulatory frameworks to reconnaissance inventories to reflect a client's needs. Westech soil scientists are familiar with land forms and soil types in all areas of Montana, from the coal fields of the southeast to the large underground silver/copper mines of the northwest. In addition to providing services to the mining industry, Westech has provided soil inventories for rehabilitating pipeline disturbances and determining irrigation potential for agriculture.

Primary objectives of baseline soil surveys are to:

• delineate, describe and classify soils within the project area;
• sample these soils;
• physically and chemically analyze samples;
• provide topsoil suitability and salvage depth recommendations;
• predict the capability of soils adjacent to streams to support flood irrigation
• activities; identify potential areas of prime farmland (local SCS office to make determination);
• estimate soil, wind and water erodibility factors for each horizon.

These intensive surveys are conducted in accordance with national and state environmental policy statutes. The sampling requirements for this level of survey reflect the regulatory intensity mandated by the land administration agency.

Baseline inventories emphasize soil suitability for reclamation. Identification of soil quantity and quality is predicated on the requirement to prove reclaimability of an area proposed for disturbance. Soil salvage depths and depth of soil available for seedbed preparation are crucial components in the development of the reclamation plan. The soil scientist works closely with vegetation ecologists to develop a reclamation plan which reflects optimum conditions for revegetative success.

While a baseline inventory is a very structured and intense examination of an area's soil resources, a reconnaissance survey is less detailed in scope. For some projects, if the area has been previously mapped by the Soil Conservation Service, or because of its size, location, or method of production, agencies may require reconnaissance level surveys rather than complete baseline studies. The level of study intensity is a matter of negotiation with the regulatory agency.

A reconnaissance is usually conducted on projects which are less environmentally or politically sensitive than those requiring an EIS level baseline survey. The reconnaissance survey usually involves detailed literature review combined with brief onsite visits. A reconnaissance may be conducted prior to development of finalized study plans for subsequent baseline surveys to identify any special areas of concern, such as areas of extreme potential erodibility or prime farmlands.