2014-03-17_REPORT - C1981008 (17)

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be applied in the NH2 reference area at 100 percent strength. This translates to 43 Ibs /ac of 18 -46 -0, and, 117 Ibs /ac of UREA for a combined application weight of 160 Ibs /ac. NH2 fields are depicted on Exhibit 2013 -9. Fertilizer was not applied to dryland areas. Approximately 276 acres were treated with same fertilizer mixture. Attachment 2013 -C contains all the monthly farm contractor reports that detail the related activities such as grazing, seeding, watering, etc. NH2 first cut yields varied from 1,504 lb/acre to 4,833 lb/acre and are shown in Exhibit 2013 -11. The weighted average for first cutting production from the NH2 area was 2,493 Ibs /ac. The first cutting production on the reference area was 2,491 Ibs /ac. The second cutting yields varied from 289 Ibs /ac to 5,493 Ibs /ac with an average of 2,185 Ibs /ac. The reference area second cutting yielded 1,799 Ibs /ac. Overall, the second cutting performance was approximately 72 percent of the first cutting. The second cutting season was extended due to heavier than normal seasonal rains. Wildlife Monitoring Reports Wildlife monitoring was not conducted on the NH2 Mine site in 2013. Weed and Pest Control Activities Noxious weed control in 2013 consisted of several applications. Target species for weeds were Knapweed(s), Thistle(s), White Top, Curly Cup Gum Weed, Russian - olive, saltceder, burdock, mullein, halogeton, and Western whorled milkweed. Spot spraying was completed at NH2, see Exhibit 2013 -5. The treated sites were small and random in nature; too small to accurately depict on the map, however, the general areas are depicted and account for approximately 98 acres. The tree program included mechanical removal and chemical treatment. The target trees were Russian olive and tamarisk, generally located around Ponds 007, 008, and their associated feeder ditches. Western Fuels Colorado personnel and BackCountry Vegetation Management, Colorado License # 11410, of Norwood, CO, treated noxious weeds. Various herbicides were applied at the manufacture specified rates. Surfactant and a marking dye were used with the herbicides to maximize spray effectiveness. Incidental spraying of nuisance weeds was also performed in many of the same areas. The pest control program covered approximately 11.9 acres. With some rare exceptions there were few prairie dogs noted in the NH2 area. Exhibit 2013 -14 outlines the colony areas as well as some individual units that were involved in the management program. Label requirements, recommendations, and conditions were followed for all chemicals used in the weed and pest management programs. Acres in Long -Term Mining or Reclamation Facilities Exhibit 2013 -13 depicts 117.8 acres in long term disturbance. Long term disturbance consists of stockpiles, haul roads, shop, offices, ditches, ponds, and other areas that are unable to be reclaimed prior to final bond release. Acres in Active Mining Areas Exhibit 2013 -12 indicates the 2013 active mine area disturbance was approximately 182.5 acres. This Exhibit includes leftover disturbance from prior years that is not considered to be long term disturbance. Acres Seeded /Planted for the Last 10 Years or more E: \Waste Water EMS \DRMS \New Horizon \NH2 Permit \Annual Reclamation ¢ Report \2013 \2013_ARR FINAL.doc