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June 4, 2014 C- 1992 - 080 /Carbon Junction Mine MLT <br />• At the upstream end of the project, riprap has been placed in the channel to guard against <br />head - cutting that might occur. <br />At the downstream end, a rip- rapped structure was constructed to ensure that flow is <br />deflected into the Carbon Junction Permanent Diversion. <br />In the reclaimed Sediment Pond 2, we observed (using a slope measurement instrument) that <br />there is no positive drainage from the bottom of the former pond, through the location of the <br />former impoundment structure. It appeared that some minor excavation may be required in <br />order to grant water egress from the former pond floor, which is lower in elevation (Photo <br />1). <br />REVEGETATION Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />We discovered a small patch of Leafy spurge (Photo 2) in the roadside ditch above former <br />Sediment Pond 2. This noxious weed is on the State of Colorado's List B. <br />• In the Upper Carbon Junction Channel, cottonwood trees were re- planted along the channel <br />bottom during the canyon reconstruction. The main stem of the cottonwoods had died but <br />young saplings were sprouting from the bases of the trees. Grasses were sprouting on the re- <br />seeded area (Photo 3) along with some annual mustards. Some Colorado noxious weeds <br />were seen at the northern end of the reconstruction area: Scotch thistle rosettes, Canada <br />thistle rosettes, and Tamarisk (List B); Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) (List C). <br />The proposed reference area has some well developed shrubs and perennials. The West end <br />of the area (Photo 4) had a fairly dense overstory of junipers and oaks while the understory <br />vegetation was sparse and patchy. This distribution of vegetation was typical for an oak <br />brush area. The East side of the proposed reference area (Photo 5) had less of an overstory <br />and was dominated by grasses and forbs with a few scattered shrubs and trees. Some of the <br />species noted were: Prickly pear cactus, Yucca, Western wheatgrass, Broom snakeweed, <br />Rabbitbrush, Scarlet globemallow, Tapertip onion, Indian ricegrass, Needlegrass, <br />Buckwheat, Cliff fendlerbush, Gambel's oak, Mountain mahogany, and Juniper. <br />The reclaimed area by Topsoil Stockpile No. 4 and reclaimed Sediment Pond 1 (Photo 6) had <br />some well developed bunch grasses. The grass inflorescences were starting to bloom. Both <br />areas were lacking in shrubs. Both areas also had very little cheatgrass compared to the areas <br />surrounding the mine site. <br />ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS /COMPLIANCE <br />No enforcement actions were initiated as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 4 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 Page 3 of 6 <br />