2015-02-18_REPORT - C1981014 (3)

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2014 Annual Reclamation Report Southfield Mine 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. Subsequent to the above, the DRMS ruled that given that EFCI had planted seedling trees /shrubs during May of 2004, 2013 was deemed as being Year 9 of the reclamation liability period. 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. During 2014, Year 10 of the Ten Year Liability Reclamation Period, I.M.E. also completed the required field work of collecting vegetation samples for the Year 10 vegetation monitoring program. The cumulative results of the 2013 and 2014 vegetation reports have yet to be completed. Although the spring of 2014 was relatively 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 agency had insufficient time to treat the Knappweed at Southfield. Consequently, EFCI pulled and disposed of many of the Knappweed at the mine site. During midsummer 2008, the Fremont County Weed Control Agency again sprayed the Knappweed with the appropriate certified herbicide. During 2009, only one Knappweed was identified and EFCI applied Roundup herbicide as prescribed. During 2010, and 2011 neither EFCI nor the DRMS Inspector identified any more Knappweed at the site. During the reporting periods of 2012, 2013 and 2014 it appears that the Knappweed patch has been eradicated. During 2006, Dr. Corley as land owner of the Corley property, sprayed Tamarisk shrubs along the mine entrance road and adjacent to the Magpie Diversion ditch at the east permit boundary. Given that the spraying was executed by the land owner, EFCI does not have information on details of the spraying procedure used. EFCI will continue to inspect these areas and will implement necessary weed control measures consistent with approved management plans.