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August 6, 2015 C-1981-019/Colowyo Coal Mine JHB <br />evident. <br />West pit parcel WP020 was seeded in 2013. 2015 represents the second year after seeding. The inspector and <br />CCC representative observed this parcel without the sampling crew. Much of this parcel is on the ridge top of on <br />the south side of the West pit fill. Consequently, this parcel is very windswept. Perennial species establishment is <br />limited and no shrub seedlings were observed becoming established. Soil surface was hard and crested. CCC staff <br />discussed ideas to provide some surface roughening and create micro -sites. At this stage (second year after <br />seeding), much of this parcel appears to have very limited success. Implementation of soil amendments, surface <br />roughening or inter -seeding may be warranted on this parcel. <br />Several bare areas continue to persist in Parcel WPO 15. WPO 15 was seeded in 2010 and is one of the first parcels <br />to receive the variable depth topsoil treatment. CCC has inter -seeded this parcel in an effort to improve vegetation <br />establishment in the specific bare areas with limited success. This ridge top also gets windswept. CCC had <br />consultants collecting soil samples on the bare patches during the inspection for analyses to determine if there are <br />limiting factors in the soil substrate. Once CCC has results back from the samples, CCC can determine what <br />course of action is needed for these affected areas. <br />There are Musk, Bull and Canada thistle patches throughout the reclaimed areas of the mine. Weed sprayers were <br />on site conducting weed control efforts during the time of the inspection. Evidence of chemical take-up and plant <br />die -off was noted on areas that had previously received treatment. <br />CCC appears to be conducting weed control in accordance with the permit commitments. As weed patches are <br />controlled, permanent seed mix may be reapplied (broadcast is acceptable) on areas that are left bare as a result of <br />weed control. Otherwise these bare patches become sites subject to re -invasion of noxious species. This is <br />considered a normal part of weed control. <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 />CCC was conducting soil sampling in parcel WPO 15 on bare patches that have had limited success with <br />permanent vegetation establishment. <br />DOCUMENTS RECEIVED NA <br />OTHER (SPECIFY) NA <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: 2 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />