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Additionally, there is a lack of topsoil protection evident throughout the drill site locations <br />that were inspected. Although the requirements to reclaim a drill site do not have to <br />take place for a maximum of two years, the responsibilities to ensure that topsoil <br />stockpiles are protected against erosion are still mandatory. Furthermore, Section 4.9.2 <br />of the approved permit states, "All topsoil stockpiles are stabilized in the fall of the year <br />they are constructed Side slopes are established at 3H:1 vH or flatter following seedbed <br />preparation an effective cover of non - noxious, quick - growing annual and /or perennial <br />plants will be seeded or planted during the first appropriate planting season after <br />stockpile construction. When available a sterile short -lived perennial grass will be solely <br />drilled at 40 pounds per acre on stockpiles that are to be disturbed within a 3 -year <br />period if stockpile life is greater than three years then the temporary disturbance mix ". <br />Section 4.9.2 also states that "Topsoil stockpiles are situated on stable sites and are <br />preferentially located on regraded overburden to reduce total disturbance they are <br />located to promote drainage and to avoid sources of contamination, drainage ditches to <br />divert runoff and prevent water erosion are placed at critical areas around stockpiles. <br />Stockpiles immediately adjacent to other mining activities that might inadvertently be <br />disturbed have protective fences or other barriers placed between the stockpiles and <br />the activity ". <br />Signs and Markers (Rule 4.02): <br />The mine identification sign at the entrance from State Highway 40 is intact and <br />contained all necessary information in accordance with 4.02.2, with the exception of one <br />item. The permit number that has been posted on the identification sign at the entrance <br />will need to be amended. The operator only provides a portion of the permit number <br />(see pic # 18181). While this may seem minor, this discrepancy needs to be corrected <br />to ensure that the public will have the correct information required to search for mine <br />documents. <br />The disturbed area perimeter has been marked with steel fence posts that are capped <br />with a PVC pipe and have been spray painted with a "P" in accordance with 4.02.3. The <br />topsoil stockpile was marked in accordance with 4.02.7. <br />General Compliance: <br />Although no compliance issues or disturbances outside of the permit area were noted, <br />there are several areas where the operator will need to improve on. Consequently, it is <br />recommended that OSMRE follow up on this evaluation in the near future to ensure that <br />the identified areas of concern have been addressed. <br />Maintenance items identified during inspection: <br />• Ensure that surface water runoff is diverted away from the location of the drill pad <br />(2014 M -8); <br />• Ensure that topsoil stockpiles are protected from erosion as required; <br />• Ensure that topsoil stockpile is moved back away from the access road (2014 M- <br />8); <br />3 <br />