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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />fir,... .. - ~ .. ".'I~P'3 .r <br />.~y~~. <br />_ ~aHS(y <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 />Slides and Damage <br />The four slides noted in the previous inspection do not appear to <br />have progressed. The MEHR slide has been repaired. Work has not <br />yet been initiated on the toe drain proposed as remediation for the " <br />Pond 006 slide, addressed in TR-27. <br />Reveyetation <br />Several areas revegetated in 1994, 1995, and 1996 were inspected. <br />Generally, the 1996 seeded areas were dominated by annuals, but <br />with seeded and volunteer perennials present in the stand. 1995 <br />and 1994 seeded areas showed progressive dominance by desirable <br />perennial species, with weedy annuals less prevalent. In general, <br />the areas seeded with the primary upland seedmix appear to be <br />progressing towards a diverse community dominated by native grasses <br />and forbs, with widely scattered shrubs (big sagebrush, <br />serviceberry, snowberry, chokecherry, and bitterbrush). <br />One "aspen planting" area at the far north end of "B" Pit was <br />observed. The site was in accordance with location and extent as <br />depicted on the Postmine Vegetation Map, was treated with "Oust" <br />pre-emergent herbicide to control annual weeds, and planted with <br />aspen, chokecherry, Woods rose, and serviceberry seedlings in the <br />fall of 1996. The site is on a relatively flat slope, and was <br />largely free of weeds. The seedlings appeared to be alive, but <br />many appeared rather droughty, particularly the serviceberry and <br />chokecherry. The soil surface within the site is fairly smooth, <br />with shading and microsites for moisture catchment lacking. <br />Survival of seedling transplants or seeded shrubs might be enhanced <br />on such planting sites by providing for a rougher soil surface, and <br />spreading of woody debris to provide cover and microsites for <br />establishment. <br />A proposed "moist upland shrub" planting site located within a 1995 <br />seeded north slope area across a draw directly to the east was also <br />observed. The site was apparently not yet planted, and unless some <br />explanation is provided, the site should be prepared and planted <br />this fall in accordance with the postmine vegetation map. <br />