2019-06-18_INSPECTION - C1981038

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