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August 17, 2016 C-1994-082/Yoast Mine JHB <br /> <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 2 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />Drainage YPM1-2 remains in good condition. The Spoil spring at YPM1-6 was flowing quite steadily. <br />A gully is beginning to form along the east side of YPM1-2. Erosion control measures need to be implemented <br />along this gully to retard the growth of this feature. The gully was approximately 6 inches deep. <br /> <br />Pond 12A was holding a pool of water with the water elevation approximately 18” below the riser. Vegetation has <br />been cleared from the trash rack around the riser and the rose bushes (woody plants) have been cleared from the <br />emergency spillway. The discharge outlet was seeping a slow trickle of water. SP, LLC needs to determine why <br />this pond is seeping and enact repairs if the leaking is the result of failure of the discharge structure or <br />embankment. <br /> <br />Neither Pond 13, nor Pond 14 were discharging at the time of the inspection. Pond 12 was discharging., <br /> <br />ROADS – Rule 4.03 <br />Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4) <br />Surfacing and Maintenance4.03.1(5) and (6)/4.03.2(5) and (6): <br /> Light use roads through the reclaimed mine were in good repair. No concerns were identified with the <br />roadways. As noted in previous inspection reports, downcutting of the ditch on the west side of LU-3A near <br />Shrub Plot SP2007-1, continues. Strategically placed rock check dams or other measures would retard the <br />continued downcutting before this ditch becomes problematic. <br /> <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS - Rule 4.15, Rule 3: <br /> Jerry Nettleton of Seneca Property, LLC had indicated that consultants would be on the property <br />conducting vegetation sampling for bond release purposes starting the around August 8th. The inspector <br />attempted to coordinate with the sampling efforts in order to 1) observe the vegetation sampling, 2) observe the <br />condition of the vegetation at the time of the vegetation sampling, 3) know what areas the operator is considering <br />applying for bond release on, and 4) assuring that questions or concerns between the consultant, permit <br />requirements, and regulations are discussed and resolved prior to the sampling efforts. <br /> <br />There was no evidence of the sampling crews on the property at the time of the inspection. <br /> <br />The vegetation is very dry. Many of the forb species have already dried up this season. Alfalfa was still present <br />and actively growing. <br /> <br />Noxious Weeds: Overall SP, LLC has done a good job on controlling noxious weeds throughout the reclaimed <br />mine area and along the access road. Several areas still have infestations that need additional weed control <br />treatment. One spot is along the north side of YPM6-1 as the drainage turns to the west. This is a patch of Canada <br />thistle. These plants have already flowered and gone to seed. Fall treatment may be effective. Additional Canada <br />Thistle patches were present along YPM6-2 near Pond 12A. These patches require weed control as well. <br /> <br />A large patch of Musk thistle that was located northeast of YPM-19, sprayed in 2015, is well controlled with only <br />a few individual plants still surviving on this reclaimed slope.