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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />To manage these six noxious weed specie populations, Colowyo will either perform itself, or contract out, <br />annual weed control activities. Weed control will typically involve herbicide application at the <br />appropriate rates and during the appropriate life stages (as possible) to effect control. Spot applications <br />will be preferred over "blanket" applications to prevent loss of desirable reclaimed taxa such as seeded <br />fortis and shrubs, however, blanket application may be necessary if any infestation areas are observed. <br />All Colowyo environmental staff, state inspectors, consultants, or contractors will be requested to remain <br />vigilant for pockets of noxious weeds in the reclamation. If larger concentrations are observed, they will <br />be mapped, recorded with GPS, or other means of identification to facilitate control by weed spraying <br />crews. Both the weed spraying crew and the revegetation monitoring crews will be especially important <br />in this regard. <br />In addition to revegetated areas, vigilance will be maintained for other locations conducive to noxious <br />weed populations. Such areas include: riparian areas, topsoil piles, major traffic areas, road cuts and fill <br />slopes, ditches, pond embankments, non-use areas, etc. <br />Weed control measures may include mowing, discing (conventional cultivation), burning, grazing, or <br />applying an approved herbicide. Weedy annual species (such as pennycress) with a single season life <br />cycle provide initial site stabilization and moisture conservation in newly seeded reclamation sites; as <br />such they will not be specifically targeted for control. Historically, seedings on reclaimed sites have <br />greatly out competed annual weed infestations within three or four growing seasons. <br />Specific control measures will be selected by evaluating the location, growth characteristics and <br />vulnerability of each weed. Management efforts will begin after proper planning and evaluation are <br />performed. Proper use of chemicals applied during weed control is ensured by oversight of weed <br />spraying activities by individual(s) certified by the State of Colorado to handle and apply herbicides. <br />Colowyo reserves the right to change and modify the practices and materials it utilizes within the weed <br />management program to achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal rules and regulations. <br />Colowyo will evaluate each infestation on an individual basis in order to ensure proper methods, timing, <br />materials and manpower are utilized for maximum effectiveness. <br />Measures for Determining Success of Revegetation <br />The success of revegetation is explained in subsection 4.15. <br />Soil Testing Plan <br />From conception to the mid -1990's, Colowyo tested for topsoil fertility. In order to assure that the <br />reapplied topsoil will support the proposed post -mining land use of rangeland, a soil sampling program <br />was implemented. Soil samples were taken randomly over each retopsoiled area and were analyzed for <br />nitrate -nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Historical results indicated adequate nutrient value to <br />support post -mining revegetation. <br />Colowyo has demonstrated through numerous years of monitoring that topsoil fertility is not a concern at <br />the mine; this is mainly due to the nutrient rich soil that is commonly present throughout the region. As a <br />result, Colowyo has suspended the soil testing program requirements, until such time as Colowyo <br />determines that the soil fertility adversely affects the reclamation and/or the post -mining land use. <br />Collom — Rule 2, Page 99 Revision Date: 11/16/16 <br />Revision No.: MR -166 <br />