2020-08-03_INSPECTION - C1994082

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Rules 4.13, 4.149 4.15: Contemporaneous Reclamation, Backfilling and Grading, Revegetation Coal production at the Yoast mine ceased in 2006. Reclamation of the permit area began in 1990 and continued through 2013. Therefore,reclamation was contemporaneous, and all areas are now at or nearing the mandatory 10-year revegetation liability period. All parcels proposed for bond release under SL-8 were observed during this inspection. All observed areas were reclaimed according to the approved permit. Inspection began on the main access road from County Road 27. Parcels 95 and 96 along the access road, and Parcels 60 and 93 by Pond 10 are stable and very well vegetated. A nearby—I- acre plot was recently sprayed for weeds. This area was denuded due to use of a broad-spectrum herbicide which is no longer utilized at the site. All parcels were included in vegetation sampling, and sparse areas did not decrease averages to below acceptable parameters. Parcels 70 and 5 were also extremely well vegetated. Parcel 5 is a topsoil stockpile that is now a permanent feature due to retention of the road. Prominently noted vegetation species include: Big sage (Arrtemisia tridentata), Woods rose (Rosa woodsii), Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericamerria nauseosa), Boxelder (Ater negundo), Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron Cristatum), Great Basin wild rye (Leymus cinereus), Curlycup gumweed(Grindelia squarrosa), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Yellow clover(Melilotus officinalis), Alfalfa(Medicago sativa), Lupine (Lupinus spp.), (Blue flax (Linum lewisii), and Meadow milkvetch(Astragalus diversifolius). Noted species support the postrnining land use of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat and are consistent with approved seed mix as well as vegetation sampling results provided in bond release application. Scattered Houdstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and various types of thistle were observed throughout the permit area. This is typical of grazed lands. A few Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)plants were observed and pulled during the inspection. The gabion cage laying on the ground on the border of Parcels 80 and 85,just above Pond 12A, should be removed and properly disposed of. Although minor maintenance items were noted, observations made during this inspection do not conflict with Phase II bond release requirements at Rule 3.03.1(2)(b). Maintenance Items Noted: • Drainage 88 exhibited minor downcutting above the surge pond and will require stabilization. • At the access road, the constructed drainage channel running through Parcels 66, 67, and 68 is undercutting the exposed surface stabilization netting. Short down-cut section requires stabilization. • The rock gabion cage laying on the ground on the border of Parcels 80 and 85,just above Pond 12A, should be removed and properly disposed of. 2 1 Pa g e