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June 11, 2019 C-1981-038/Bowie No. 1 Mine JHB <br /> <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 9 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br /> The county road by the West Mine reclaimed haul road has been cleared of fallen rocks. The reclaimed <br />haul road to the West Mine area remains stable with no signs of instability of gullying of this steep reclaimed area. <br /> <br />The access road at the East mine remains passable. Jointed goat grass has become established on the roadway at <br />the intersection with the refuse pile reclaimed road. Jointed goat grass (Aegilops cylindrica) is a noxious weed on <br />the state noxious weed list. Although this is a winter annual species and most effectively treated in the fall, the <br />Division is concerned that vehicle traffic across this section of road will continue to spread this weed species. <br />Goat grass patches along the sides of the road can be treated in the fall at the most effective timing. The Jointed <br />goat grass that covers the traveled roadway needs to be treated as soon as possible to minimize the continued <br />spreading of this noxious weed. <br /> <br />The road into the ROM area has been reclaimed. It appears that a vehicle has driven across a portion of the <br />reclaimed area and left some tire tracks. However, these tracks are not eroding or deepening. The existing <br />vegetation appears adequate to fill in these features. <br /> <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS - Rule 4.15, Rule 3: <br /> The West Mine reclaimed slopes appear stable with no evidence of slumping or gullying. The vegetation <br />on the slopes has come in very full and healthy this season. A small patch of Whitetop (Cardaria draba) was noted <br />about 1/3 of the way up the slope from the ponds on the far western side of the reclaimed area. Overall the site <br />looks like the noxious weeds are well controlled. There is a well established Tamarisk plant immediately adjacent <br />to the county road on the west side of the county road and slightly west of the Mine ID sign. This Noxious weed <br />is rooted off the road on the very steep slope. It is located in a dry spot which is unusual for Tamarisk. <br /> <br />REVEGETATION – Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br /> The vegetation throughout the reclaimed mine areas was growing well and very healthy. Areas that had <br />been very stunted and brown last year (2018) during a drought, had recovered nicely and exhibited good <br />vegetative production. <br /> <br />Although BRL has done a good job controlling Whitetop (Cardaria draba) invasions, and dying patches of treated <br />Whitetop were noted along the East Mine access road, Russian knapweed (Acroptilian repens) is becoming <br />established on the slope above the first bench. This patch is not yet flowing but is bolting, so treating it soon <br />should help minimize the spread of this noxious weed. <br /> <br />BRL anticipates conducting vegetation sampling for bond release next week. The Division will be unable to <br />observe the sampling but has made good observations on the condition of the reclaimed areas. <br />DOCUMENTS RECEIVED NA OTHER (SPECIFY) NA <br />ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS/COMPLIANCE <br /> <br />No enforcement actions were initiated as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. <br />