SteveG, I would find a reputable local earthmover who knows local soils, bring him out to look. I suspect once you move and process those soils, you will have good material to work with. I have seen many sites with crackly, rocky-looking crusty material that makes fine dam building dirt. But, an experienced earthmover or a nearby engineering firm can help you locate a soils lab which can tell you the 'plasticity index' of your soils. The next issue of Pond Boss, which comes out at the end of Oct, has two great stories which help answer your question. But, in the meantime, you should get some help. Even though the NRCS won't help, they should know someone who can help.
