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PERMIT #: M-1977-534 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: MAC <br />INSPECTION DATE: October 20, 2015 <br />the reclaimed area were dominated by crested wheatgrass, which is not a part of the approved seed mix. <br />According to the Operator, the seed mix specified under Amendment No. 1 (AM -01) was used to reseed the <br />site. The seed mix specified under AM01 included crested wheatgrass among other grass species; however, <br />the seed mix was revised under Amendment No. 2 (AM02). The seed mix used by the Operator is not <br />inappropriate for the post -mining land use of pastureland and the landowner did not have any objection to <br />the grasses which were planted. However, the failure to use the approved seed mix is considered a problem; <br />please see the first page of this report for additional information. <br />The grasses were fairly well established. However, there were bare patches throughout the site with little to <br />no vegetative growth. These bare patches may need to be roughened and reseeded; the Operator will <br />continue to monitor these areas and will reseed as necessary. <br />The Operator has been treating noxious weeds at the site including leafy spurge, canada thistle, musk thistle, <br />scentless chamomile, yellow toadflax, common mullien and diffuse knapweed. The identified species are List B <br />and List C noxious weeds and therefore must be controlled to stop the continued spread of the species; <br />eradication of the above listed species is not the goal. The Division did not observe any of the above listed <br />species. The Division will conduct an inspection during the growing season to ensure that none of the <br />identified noxious weeds are present in quantities great enough to threaten the establishment of the desired <br />grass species. <br />Sediment Control: <br />The Division observed erosion along the access road which is situated at the northern portion of the East Side. <br />The access road connects the upland area to a small camp site located adjacent to the West Fork of Clear <br />Creek. Pursuant to Rule 3.1.5(3), all grading shall be done in a manner to control erosion and siltation of the <br />affected lands. The minor rills along the access road have been cited as a problem; please see the first page of <br />this report for additional information. <br />Topsoil: <br />During the inspection the Operator informed the Division that 2,000 cubic yards of topsoil were imported to <br />the site; topsoil was screened to 3" minus. The approved reclamation plan specified that the Operator would <br />replace 6" of native topsoil on the site. The Operator's failure to revise the Reclamation Plan to account for <br />the importation of topsoil has been cited as a problem; please see the first page of this report for additional <br />information. <br />The landowner pointed out rocks on the ground surface which were 6" in size or greater. The Operator agreed <br />to remove some of the larger rocks from the reclaimed site. It should be noted that there is not an expectation <br />on the part of the Division to have a reclaimed site that is completely free of rocks at the surface. The soils in <br />the area were formed from very gravelly and cobbly alluvial materials. The cobbly surface layers originated <br />from the steep mountain slopes adjacent to the reclaimed area. Undisturbed areas near the reclaimed mine <br />site have numerous stones of various sizes on the ground surface. <br />Based on the observations made during this inspection, the site is not eligible for release at this time. Notice of <br />the Division's decision regarding the release request will be sent under separate cover. <br />This concluded the inspection. <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />