Laserfiche WebLink
recommended allowing the area to stabilize in its current configuration. DRMS has approved this plan, so <br />the parcel is now proposed for Phase I release without further earthwork to regrade the material. <br />Proposed Phase I bond release Areas 7 and 30 include a steep slope from the former box cut. This slope is <br />very well -vegetated (although only proposed for Phase I release at this time because vegetation <br />monitoring data has not been collected) and stable. <br />Proposed Phase III bond release Areas 13 and 14, a 24.64 acre parcel, was densely vegetated with Great <br />Basin wild rye (Leymus cinereus) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Noxious weeds were not noted in this <br />area. <br />The former slide area near Pond 13 is hummocky but has now stabilized in its current configuration. The <br />area has been monitored for several years to ensure the material is no longer moving. DRMS has <br />approved a plan to allow Seneca Property, LLC to leave this area as -is, so the parcel is now proposed for <br />Phase I release without further earthwork. <br />All remaining ponds are approved for permanent retention as stock water ponds. The following areas are <br />currently proposed for Phase I release. Ponds 13 and 14 are stable and holding water but not discharging. <br />Pond 12 is stable and was discharging during the inspection. Because diversion channels were not <br />contributing water into Pond 12, pond outflow is likely due to springs feeding into the pond. We briefly <br />discussed the steep denuded slope near Pond 12. Mr. Nettleton indicated it was not disturbed by mining <br />and has a permitted exemption. Mr. Musick indicated that it may have a special status in the permit; <br />however, we should research whether it is excluded from revegetation requirements. Although this <br />disturbance area is only proposed for Phase I at this time, Seneca Property, LLC would need to conduct <br />seeding operations soon if the area will require revegetation. The reclaimed Diversion 14 corridor (Phase <br />I bond release Area 2) is stable; however, List B noxious weeds such as houndstongue (Cynoglossum <br />officinale) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) are well established here and should be controlled. <br />We briefly discussed timing of weed control efforts. Mr. Nettleton indicated that he would look into <br />whether application of herbicides would be successful on Houdstongue this late in the season. Because <br />the plants have already set their seed and are dying back, it is likely not the ideal time for herbicide <br />application and uptake. Noxious weed control efforts should be scheduled appropriately. <br />Conclusions: <br />All observed areas conform to the applicable phased bond release requirements. Minor weed control <br />efforts are necessary, which Seneca Property, LLC has agreed to conduct. No enforcement actions were <br />necessary as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. <br />Page 12 <br />