Laserfiche WebLink
June 10, 2015 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine JHB <br />riparian area reclamation. The WC Reference area was composed of extremely dense willows and other riparian <br />species. This reference area is not marked by fence posts that we could locate, nor is it fenced. There were animal <br />trails leading from the south down to the river. The vegetation was so thick that walking directly through the <br />middle of the reference area was impossible. <br />REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />The areas previously reclaimed at the west portal are growing well. There are occasional noxious weeds <br />present, but there is evidence of herbicide uptake b some of the plants indicating the NECC continues to enact <br />weed control measures. None of the weeds noted were considered and infestation. NECC should continue with <br />their weed control efforts. <br />While inspecting the RDA, the inspector encountered the weed spraying crew out on the ATV, conducting weed <br />control efforts. <br />Shrubs and vegetation on the highest reclaimed outslope of the RDA were looking healthy and appear to be <br />thriving. Shrub species noted included Oak brush, Snowberry, Juniper, Skunk brush sumac. The establishing <br />vegetation appeared to have good diversity and was adequate to control erosion. <br />SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04: <br />The West portal fan has been decommissioned and sold. NECC has capped the fan shaft. Some of the fan <br />housing remains sitting on the pad at the west portal area. <br />TOPSOIL — Rule 4.06 <br />Removal 4.06.2; Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4); Storage and Protection 4.06.3; Redistribution 4.06.4: <br />The soil storage area west of pond 001 consists of a topsoil stock pile, a sub soil stock pile and a <br />temporary development waste pile. The berm on the south side of this area is intact. There are miscellaneous <br />equipment and supplies stored here. The Division cautions against storage of "bone -yard" material in areas not <br />approved for this placement. Some metal sheeting had blown over the berm into the clean water diversion ditch. <br />Ron removed the metal sheeting. NECC also stores gravel for road maintenance on the east side of this area. The <br />gravel storage is distinct and separate from the soil storage, so does not appear to be problematic. <br />The north side of this storage area has previously been reclaimed. A berm or wattle once was maintained to the <br />north of the Temporary development waste pile. Material from this development waste has washed down the face <br />of the pad into the vegetation. NECC needs to re-establish the berm to contain sediment from the temporary waste <br />material off of the face. <br />DOCUMENTS RECEIVED NA <br />OTHER (SPECIFY) NA <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 8 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />