2014-06-20_REVISION - M1981207 (10)

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Blue Pit 112 Permit Amendment weed invasion on surrounding areas and promotes establishment of a seed - source on the construction site. Therefore, weed monitoring and an active, multi faceted control program should be implemented concurrent with construction activities. This would involve bi- weekly monitoring during the growing season throughout all phases of construction to rapidly identify weed species as they try to establish themselves, followed by immediate control efforts utilizing mechanical and chemical control methods as appropriate. The Proponent has already developed an integrated weed control plan detailing weed identification and appropriate control measures for each species to which contractors must adhere during the construction process. One final protective measure could include pet restrictions, which should be enforced by disallowing employees to bring dogs onto the jobsite to prevent domestic dogs from running at -large and harassing wildlife. Enhancement Once mining operations on any phase have been completed, that area should be reclaimed as quickly as possible. For areas of the Property to be returned to agricultural production, the area should be contoured appropriately for maximum irrigation efficiency, irrigation capability restored to the site, soils returned to their proper locations (last out, first in) and all disturbed areas reseeded with a grass - legume hay mixture. Typical mixtures include orchard grass, timothy, smooth brome and alfalfa. For those areas not suitable for ag- production, those sites should be re- seeded with an appropriate seed mixture containing species that are adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of that particular site, and which will establish quickly, compete well with potential noxious weeds and provide a preferred food source for native wildlife in the area. The fundamental idea is to formulate a seed mix with components that will establish quickly to retain exposed soils and prevent erosion, and other components that will remain established long -term, able to compete with potentially invasive species, and yet a third component that will offer a nutritious and palatable feed source for the targeted wildlife species. Specific seed mixes and planting rates could be easily developed for specific site conditions around the Property. However, for the purposes of this report, such a mix for the Carbondale region generally should include Intermediate, Western and Slender wheat grasses, Sheep fescue, muttongrass, Needle- and - Thread - grass, Small bumet, a dry land - adapted alfalfa, a contingent of clover species and sainfoin. Planting rate should be about 20 lbs/PLS /acre." Mitigation and Enhancement Trees will be installed along the northern border of Mining Area 2 prior to any new mining activity. Prior to any mining in the expansion area, WSA proposes to plant at least 65 trees of at least io feet Blue Pit May 2014 H -6