2022-07-28_INSPECTION - C1981038

Home Browse Search

Findings On July 20, 2022 the inspection team walked the entire 13.1 acre parcel to evaluate the reclamation's suitability for Phase III bond release and visually confirm the findings from the 2019 and 2021 vegetation surveys. See Figures 1 - 3. Overall the parcel was in good and stable condition. The vegetation appeared to be mature, diverse, and self-sustaining with adequate cover. Extensive elk and deer scat, limited bear scat, and cow manure were observed in support of the wildlife habitat and livestock grazing postmining land use. Grass, forb, and shrub species observed included rubber rabbitbrush, alfalfa, yarrow, yellow sweet clover, ciser milkvetch, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Lewis flax, cutleaf viper grass, desert alyssum, Western wheatgrass, Woods' rose, and volunteer prickly pear cactus. Minor occurrences of field bindweed and cheatgrass were noted. The surrounding undisturbed vegetation was primarily Gambel oak. See Figures 4 — 16. Placemark 4, 38.910052, -107.636764: This was a particularly steep area at the eastern extent of the SL-8 parcel along Johnson Road, likely the tie-in point between the disturbed and undisturbed soils. A slight ledge had formed, though not recently by appearances. The ledge was approximately 18" at its highest point and about 25' in length. Some exposed roots were noted though the areas immediately upslope and downslope were vegetated. The inspection team agreed this feature was relatively minor, the area was stable, and redisturbance in service of a small repair would likely cause more harm than good. See Figure 17. Placemark 5, 38.910187, -107.637065: The team observed a limited number of musk thistle at this location. The operator agreed to treat the musk thistle. See Figure 18. Placemark 14, 38.910010, -107.637444: The team observed a larger area of Canada thistle at this location. The operator agreed to treat the Canada thistle. See Figure 19. Placemark 19, 38.911325, -107.638957: Yellow starthistle, a Colorado "List A" noxious species, had previously occurred in this location marked by red posts. Yellow starthistle is fatally poisonous to horses and considered poor forage for all livestock and wildlife. The yellow starthistle at this location had been monitored and managed over many years by Division staff, the operator, Bureau of Land Management—Uncompahgre Field Office (BLM-UFO) staff, and Delta County. At the time of inspection no yellow starthistle was observed at this location. See Figure 20. Placemark 16, 38.910928, -107.638300: A moderate quantity of yellow starthistle, an area perhaps 15' x 15', was observed at this location. The BLM-UFO and Delta County were notified. See Figures 21 and 22. Conclusion The inspection findings generally uphold the results from the 2019 and 2021 vegetation surveys, are consistent with the approved reclamation plan, and support the wildlife habitat/livestock grazing postmining land use. The continued occurrence of yellow starthistle on the SL-8 parcel is concerning. At the time of this writing OSMRE, BLM-UFO, and the Division are working on an appropriate path forward. No enforcement actions were taken as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. 2 1 P a g e