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(Page 3) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1977-378 INSPECTION DATE 8!29/05 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE around portions of the north end of the reclaimed area due to the road cut for CR 25. The original portal and mine dump was constructed during the 1880's. Topsoil was not salvaged prior to the pre-law activities. The operator imported and distributed native earthen materials to assist revegetation efforts. Vegetative cover was present but sparse, partly due to the rocky nature of the mine dump material, and partly due to local drought conditions during the month of June 2005. A minor infestation of Canada thistle was observed in native soils, upslope of the backfill area. Given the sparse vegetative coverofthe reclaimed area, the presence of noxious weeds in nearby areas has the potential to invade the reclaimed area and threaten the continued development of the desired vegetation. The operator indicated that weed control efforts have and will continue to be employed through out the permit area. Remaining reclamation to be completed at the Terry Tunnel appeared limited to establishment of an appropriate vegetative cover. Mayflower Tailings Pond 4 Construction of the soil cover had been previously completed in accordance with the plans approved through TR-27. The top of the pond had been graded to provide positive drainage to the west diversion ditch and capped with approximately 2 feet earthen cover. Topsoil had been replaced and the approved reclamation seed mix applied with fertilizer and mulch. Vegetative cover for the top of Mayfower Pond 4 was established but not yet appropriate for the release requirements of Rule 3.1.10(1). The operator indicated that a small cell, approximately 2 acres in area, would be reopened to receive sludge and materials resulting from final reclamation of the treatment ponds at the American Tunnel facility. Remaining reclamation to be completed at Pond 4 appear limited to reconstruction of the earthen cap, subsequent to placement of sludge and materials from the treatment ponds, regrading to ensure positive drainage, and establishment of an appropriate vegetative cover. Canada thistle was observed in the borrow area immediately north of Pond 4, at a location where the operator had previously eradicated an infestation of Musk thistle. Canada thistle was also observed at other isolated locations on Pond 4. Previous weed occurrences have been aggressively treated and successfully controlled by the operator. The operator is encouraged to continue his diligent weed control efforts in accordance with permit conditions and the requirements of Rule 3.1.10(6). TR-26 Borrow Area The TR-26 borrow area is located between the Mayfower tailings ponds and the Animas River where tailings had been removed from low-lying areas adjacent to the Animas River in accordance with the amended Consent Decree between WOCD and SGC. Details of the project are filed under Technical Revision No. 26, and in DMG's report generated from the October 24, 2003 inspection of the permit area. Backfilled and graded areas appeared stable, no evidence of settling, slumping or excessive erosion was observed. Vegetative cover appeared limited to the 100 (+/-) willow shrub transplanted to the low-lying areas. The transplanted willows appeared to have a high survival rate. However, vegetative cover did not appear to have had sufficient time to establish sufficient for the release requirements of Rule 3.1.10(1). Remaining reclamation to occur at the TR-26 borrow area appears limited to continued establishment of vegetative cover, which may occur within another season or two. American Tunnel As noted above, the operator had completed reclamation of the 0.41 acre area addressed underAR-03.