2017-01-27_REVISION - C1980002 (2)

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The Team reviewed the requirements for permit revocation and TOJ procedures and the history of the Ohio Creek No. 2 Mine, prior to conducting this year -ten vegetation sampling and TOJ field evaluation. Findings and observations For the year -ten vegetation sampling, 40 random, numbered points within the parcel were computer- generated by DRMS and loaded onto a Trimble GPS unit. Thirty points were required, which left ten extra points available when any of the first 30 points landed within thickets, steep slopes, or other prohibitive areas. The Team navigated to each point, in numerical order, using the Trimble. To collect vegetative cover data, the Team used the point -intercept method. Starting at point one, a ten meter transect was measured in the direction of the next numerical point and a ten -point laser light bar was set up every meter along, and perpendicular to, the transect. As a result, 100 data -points for cover were collected along each of the 30 transects. To collect herbaceous production data, the Team sampled using the quadrat method. A'/2 square meter, rolled-steel quadrat was placed on opposing sides of each transect at points two and seven. All biomass within the quadrat was clipped, bagged, and labeled. The labeled bags of biomass were later dried and weighed at Colorado State University. The parcel was fenced to control grazing, graded to establish positive drainage, and contoured to blend - in with the surrounding topography. At the request of the landowner, Castleton Ranch, the revegetated access road, revegetated sediment pond, and associated revegetated topsoil pile were retained. These features comprised the only exceptions to approximate original contour (AOC) as required under the Colorado program. Surface stability was excellent, with no sedimentation or erosional features noted. With the exception of the sediment pond, retained at the landowner's request, no sediment -control structures remained onsite. Revegetation was sufficient to control erosion and prevent additional contribution of suspended solids to stream flow outside the permit area. The approved seed mix was mainly composed of cool and warm season grasses and forbs; a woody stem -density standard is not included in the approved reclamation plan. During sampling, the Team encountered flora from the approved seed mix as well as volunteer species, including yellow sweet clover, Kentucky bluegrass, mountain brome, rocky mountain penstemon, serviceberry, snowberry, sagebrush, and yellow rabbitbrush. Isolated occurrences of noxious weeds were observed, including Scotch thistle and houndstongue, however, nothing that rose to the level of infestation. Conclusion The reclamation work observed during this evaluation was in accordance with the Ohio Creek No. 2 Mine's approved reclamation plan and the approved Colorado program. Post -mine contours blended well with the surrounding topography and revegetation was such that surface stability, hydrologic balance, and cover, production, and species diversity met the requirements of the approved Colorado program and support the post -mining land use of wildlife habitat and rangeland. OSMRE recommends Termination of Jurisdiction for the entire 88.5 acre permit area which includes 3.22 acres of reclaimed surface disturbance. Please address any questions concerning this report to Tom Medlin, Environmental Protection Specialist, at tmedlin@osmre.gov or 303/293-5083.