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Topsoil and Vegetation: <br /> <br />Topsoil depth readings were taken during this inspection. Topsoil depth was measured by <br />digging down until a color change in the soil was encountered; this transition line was <br />established as the bottom of the topsoil. Using a measuring tape, the topsoil depth reading was <br />taken from the bottom of this transition line to an approximate ground level elevation, taking into <br />account the slope of the ground level. The permit discusses the required topsoil replacement <br />depth for each portion of the mine being bond released. 13 holes were dug at this site to <br />determine topsoil depth. Topsoil depth averaged 7.23” on this site, so, was sufficient. The <br />vegetation was observed during this inspection. Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. was contacted by <br />J.E. Stover and Associates Inc. on behalf of Snowcap Coal Company to evaluate the vegetation on <br />the Roadside mine to see if it met Phase II-III bond release standards. Vegetation “transects” had <br />been completed on these areas prior to our arrival. A 125’X 125’ grid system was used to <br />determine the transect area for the; A 140’X 140’ grid system was used to determine the transect <br />area for the area. Each transect was approximately 10 meters in length. Each area had a minimum <br />of 30 samples taken. These transects showed a wide variety of grasses, legumes, shrubs and trees. <br />All personnel present during this inspection walked each area and verified the validity of each of <br />the vegetation transects. <br /> <br />A brief overview of each of the aforementioned sites shows both good topsoil replacement and <br />decent vegetation. The vegetative cover for these areas was determined to be sufficient based on <br />the transects conducted by Cedar Creek Associates Inc. Visual confirmation proved these results <br />valid. Cheat grass was present on many of the parcels, but, it appears that the dominant <br />vegetation on these parcels should out compete this invasive species. A more complete overview <br />of the types of vegetation can be viewed in the official bond release package or by reading the <br />DRMS. <br /> <br />The landowner waived vegetation standards for Pond 8 (0.5 acres.) <br /> <br />Backfilling and Grading: <br /> <br />Backfilling and grading had been complete for many years on these sites. All temporary <br />diversion ditches and sediment control structures had been taken out and reclaimed with the <br />exception of the West mine ponds. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was <br />used to determine surface runoff, and, any sediment loss from the permit. According to RUSLE, <br />sediment loss from this permit has been reduced and no contribution of sediments in excess of <br />pre-mine levels is occurring. This was obtained by comparing baseline conditions to present day <br />conditions. <br /> <br />No blasting took place at the time of this inspection. <br /> <br />All signs and markers were present. <br /> <br />The post mining land use for this permit is rangeland/wildlife/farmland. Of interest is the fact <br />that the city of Palisade bought the mine property, and, plan on converting a small portion of the <br />mine to a commercial/industrial use (a shooting range/family fun center.)