2014-02-19_REPORT - C1981014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2013 Annual Reclamation Report Southfield Mine 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. Following review of the revision request by the Division and acknowledging concerns of respective landowners, it was agreed to combine both the original reference area and the proposed reference area so as to include more aspects of the reference areas for better comparison of the reclaimed portals area. Accordingly, TR -39 was approved in 2013. 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 (USPS) 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 2013. In accordance to the above, I.M.E. , Inc. collected vegetation samples during July - August 2013 at the mine area, refuse pile area and the Loadout site. The small areas of exemption (SAE's) were also monitored during the study period. The field work was completed as per regulatory and the permit requirements but I.M.E.'s final report of the study is yet to be completed as of the time of this submittal. Although the spring and early summer of 2013 were dry, heavy rainfall from the summer monsoons made a dramatic improvement on the warm season grasses and other vegetation at Southfield. Weed Control Activities In 2005, one small plot of Knappweed had been identified adjacent to and at the west edge of the parking lot site in the eastern portion adjacent to County Road 92 on the Vento property. The agent with the Fremont County Weed control Agency sprayed the Knappweed with the certified herbicide during 2005 and again in the 2006 season. During 2007, given the heavy vegetation growth in the region that season and the resulting demand on the county weed control agency, the 7