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=b . <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the <br />inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />eastside ditch were discussed with the operator. Due to <br />undercutting and sidecutting of the existing cobble, some grading <br />and placement of additional angular rock will be necessary. Three <br />rock check dams will be installed along the segment, and some <br />realignment and reinforcement of the corner segment of the ditch <br />immediately above the steep segment will be undertaken. <br />Topsoil <br />Numerous topsoil stockpiles were observed during the inspection. <br />Most stockpiles support an effective cover of seeded perennial <br />vegetation. However, certain topsoil piles, notably in the refuse <br />disposal area, and at the rail loadout area are dominated by <br />cheatgrass. This has been identified as a concern in the current <br />midterm review, and the operator has been directed to address <br />measures which will be taken to ensure that topsoiled stockpile <br />does not result in cheatgrass infestation when respread on final <br />reclamation areas. <br />Revegetation <br />cheatgrass on Refuse Area RP-1 had initiated spring growth, but no <br />seedhead development was apparent as yet. As noted in previous <br />reports, there are some pockets of perennial grass growth on side <br />slopes of the refuse area, but most areas of the pile, including <br />the entire top of the pile, are populated almost exclusively by <br />cheatgrass and annual forbs. Shrubs and perennial forbs are <br />largely absent. The operator has scheduled a contractor to disk up <br />the existing vegetation within the next two weeks (prior to <br />cheatgrass seed maturation). The site will be reseeded in the <br />fall. <br />Apparent vegetation success on other final reclamation areas in the <br />permit area will be evaluated later in the growing season. <br />Support Facilities <br />The East Portal facilities area was in general rather cluttered by <br />equipment, supplies, and debris associated with longwall <br />installation. Installation will be completed within the next week <br />or so, and general cleanup and grading of the access road and <br />ditches within the site will be completed at that time. For the <br />