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August 13, 2015 C-1981-044/Williams Fork Mines JLE <br />Woody plant density is measured using belt transects as described in the permit. <br />Also, CCA conducts a "Species Presence" count along the transects where they note and count species they did <br />not record while conducting vegetation cover sampling. This data will be used to evaluate species diversity. <br />During the inspection, I observed Mr. Dillon and Ms. Sargent conduct sampling at points SP1 and SP4 located <br />within the Williams Fork Strip Pit (Post May 3, 1978) area. The operation was quick and efficient and their <br />method of recording data appeared very accurate. <br />We observed Reference Area B, Reference Area C and Utah Tract Reference Area 93B as shown on the <br />Vegetation Map 920 of the permit. CCA indicated they would use Reference Area B and C to determine the <br />revegetation success standards for the Williams Fork Strip Pit area that was reclaimed after May 3, 1978. The <br />legend for Map #20 indicates that Reference Area B will be used for the Williams Fork Strip Pit and that <br />Reference Area C will be used for the Waste Disposal Site. Page 2.05-34 of the permit indicates that Reference <br />Area C will be used for the 9-P2 and 9-P3 ponds, Old Shop and 5A portal Area. Exhibit 24 of the permit; for the <br />portion of the Williams Fork Strip Pit reclaimed post May 3, 1978 states "A reference area has been established to <br />evaluate revegetation success. This reference area is shown graphically on the Vegetation Map (Map 20)". Given <br />the information provided in the permit and map 920, it would appear Reference Area B should be utilized to <br />determine the revegetation success standard for the Williams Fork Strip Pit area reclaimed post May 3, 1978. <br />However, if MCM and CCA have a different interpretation or feel both Reference Area C and B should be utilized <br />to set the reclamation success standard, the permit will need to be revised to clarify this. <br />We observed Reference Area B. This area is a north and western facing slope on a rise above the confluence of <br />the Yampa River and the Williams Fork River. The dominant species observed was sagebrush. Cheatgrass was <br />observed along with other perennial grasses and forbs. No disturbance was noted and the area appears to be <br />heavily used by wildlife and overall appears to be managed in the same manner as the reclaimed areas. <br />Reference Area C is located on the east side of Highway 13 northeast of the 95A portals. The primary species <br />observed was sagebrush, perennial grasses and snakeweed. No disturbance was observed and the area appears to <br />be managed in the same manner as the reclaimed area. <br />The Utah Tract Reference Area #3B was observed. The primary species observed was sagebrush, snakeweed, <br />service berry and various perennial grasses. No disturbance was observed and the area appears to be managed in <br />the same manner as the reclaimed area. <br />Prior to the inspection the Division and MCM had a telephone conference call to discuss vegetation sampling and <br />revegetation success standards at the Williams Fork Strip Pit and Utah Tract. The Utah tract is split into two <br />Range Sites (A &B) based on elevation. MCM would like to revise the reclamation success standard for Range <br />Site A of the Utah Tract to utilize a technical standard. The primary reason for this is that the original reference <br />area for this parcel could not be located or verified. MCM and the Division agreed that MCM would need to <br />submit a Technical Revision to change the revegetation success criteria for this parcel. Given the differences <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br />