2013-09-20_REPORT - C1981014 (2)

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2012 Reclamation Report Southfield Mine schedule (10 -year liability period initiated by secondary reseeding in 1999). During March of 2011, due to trespassers entering both Loadout sites at each end, a trench with berm was cut across each of the trespasser's entry points. During the report period of 2012, the trenches have served as an effective deterrent to trespasser vehicles. IME, Inc., sample /monitored the Loadout site during the summer season of 2006. Results of data obtained from the monitoring is included in the Revegetation Monitoring Report for Reclaimed Areas in the section titled "Loadout Reclamation ". IME, Inc. also sampled the Loadout during 2010. EFCI has revegetated a cumulative total of approximately 82.6 acres at the Mine Site and Loadout areas as shown on the attached Annual Reclamation Report form. Maps accompanying this report show all revegetated areas, with the exception of approximately 1.5 acres of minor road segments revegetated in 2003 at the North Well and Corley Well areas. The previously revegetated areas are shown on Map 1, Mine Site Reclamation; Map 2, Ancillary Facility Areas Reclamation and Map 3, Loadout Area Reclamation. As previously stated during 2006, Mr. Kent Crofts of I.M.E., Inc., did the interim revegetation sampling and reporting at the mine site, the refuse pile area and at the Loadout site. Map 1 shows areas of the contemporaneous reclamation plots listing dates of seeding and the approximate acreage of each area. According to the conclusion of the I.M.E. report and as had previously been recommended by the Division, 15 cover transects, 30 production transect and 30 shrub density transects were sampled on each reclaimed site. Comparisons of the various revegetation data required are well detailed in IME's 2006 Monitoring Report. It is IME's opinion that based on their 2006 interim monitoring with respect to woody plant density for the mine portal area and the warm season species diversity, the existing Permit Revegetation Success Standards should be revised due to inconsistency of the sites for comparing vegetation. In response to the above concern, EFCI submitted Technical Revision No.39 (TR -39) requesting approval to relocate the respective Vegetation Reference Area to an adjacent area on the north side of the mine portal area that offers more compatible aspects with the mine portal area. TR -39 was under review with the Division throughout the reporting period of 2012. Revegetation Monitoring & Sampling EFCI was scheduled to monitor and collect samples of the vegetation during 2012 which is Year 9 of the Ten Year Reclamation Liability Period. However, given the drought conditions experienced during the previous and current year as stated above, EFCI requested approval from the Division, via a letter (LISPS) dated July 30, 2012, to postpone the revegetation study until the following year. The Division approved the request and the vegetation study was postponed until rI-