2013-10-29_INSPECTION - C1981010

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drainage, taking elevation and topsoil depth readings (Transect 1 in the DRMS inspection report). Topsoil depth was measured by digging down until a color change in the soil was encountered; this transition line was established as the bottom of the topsoil. Using a measuring tape, the topsoil depth reading was taken from the bottom of this transition line to an approximate ground level elevation, taking into account the slope of the ground level. The measurements in Transect 1 were at 13 and 17 inches. Additional samples were taken directly after (Transect 11, 12.5 and 4.5 inches). For a summary of these elevation points and topsoil depth readings, please see Appendix A and page 7 of the August 15, 2013 DRMS Inspection Report for this bond release application. We next traveled to the F Pit, where we walked Transect 3 (Parcel F- A -10). Three topsoil depth readings (11.5, 13.5, and 12.5 inches) and elevation points were taken. We then walked F -AB -9 (Transect 2 topsoil depth samples were 14, 14, and 12 inches; Transect 12, topsoil samples measured 16 and 23.5 inches). We found one significant erosional rill between the two topsoil sampling locations in Transect 12; Jared took the location with his Trimble Yuma. Transect 10 was walked for elevation samples; no topsoil samples were taken. We then walked Parcel Z -A -10, dug one topsoil measurement (14.5 inches) and took several elevation points along Transect 7. We then walked Transect 6 (Parcel K- A -10), which produced elevation data, topsoil depth measurements (18 and 15.5 inches), bench width measurements (Bench 1, 25 feet wide; top bench, 28 feet wide), and measurements of the south (18 feet) and north (12 feet) drains of Horse Gulch Fill. We returned to Parcel Z -A -10 to walk Transects 8 (only elevation data taken) and 9 (topsoil depth, 13 inches; elevation data also taken). Finally, Transect 5 was walked within Parcel A -B -09; elevation data was recorded and 1 topsoil depth (9 inches) was sampled. Within A -B -09 is the Oak Gulch Drainage, which had significant erosion and sidecutting. In summary, the vast majority of the 424.2 acres within this bond release application appear to conform to 30 CFR, Part 906.30 and 30 U.S.C. 1269 for Phase 1 bond release. Backfilling, regarding, and most of the drainage control is in accordance with its approved reclamation plan. The parcels under consideration in this phase I bond release blend in with the surrounding topography. Two areas of concern exist within the drainage control of Parcels A -B -09 (Oak Gulch Drainage) and A -B -10 (Middle Pyett Drainage). These two drainages and a corridor around them should be removed from this bond release. As mentioned earlier in this report, significant erosion, including sidecutting, still exists within these drainages and should be corrected. A third area will also be eliminated from this Phase I bond release; a portion of the East Pyett Drainage, which is in the process of being constructed between Parcels F -A -12 and Z- A-12. Please address any questions concerning this report to Daniel MacKinnon, Natural Resources Specialist, dmackinnon @osmre.gov or (303) 293 -5011.