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Weed Control <br />A noxious weed infestation in Coal Basin initially threatened the reclaimed azeas. Over the course <br />of several years, noxious weed control work was undertaken to relieve the infestation. The work <br />was conducted primarily from the Lamphouse area, easterly through the facilities azea, Old Refuse <br />Disposal Area, and the Sutey Refuse Disposal Area. Both public and private properties were <br />impacted during this project. As a result of the aggressive control efforts, the noxious weed <br />infestation on reclaimed lands was significantly reduced by the end of the 2006 growing season. <br />IV. Risks to Public Health, Safetv. and the Environment <br />A number of permanent, mining related structures and facilities will remain at the site. These <br />structures or facilities include: <br />- The grated Rock Tunnel entry; <br />- Three refuse Disposal Areas; <br />- Approximately two miles of road; <br />- The three pond 016 system; <br />- The Lamphouse structure; <br />- A wazehouse building; <br />- Dutch Creek Diversion. <br />Most of these structures or facilities aze located wholly or in part on private property. The Rock <br />Tunnel entry, Lamphouse, Rock Tunnel Waste Disposal Area, 016 pond system and the wazehouse <br />building are located on private property. The owners of the private property have indicated that these <br />facilities and structures aze necessary for the implementation of their plans to physically develop the <br />area for intensive recreational use by themselves and their guests. No potential environmental or <br />public health and safety issues have been identified at these areas. <br />Portions of some facilities, including parts of the Dutch Creek Diversion, the Old Refuse Disposal <br />Area and the approximately two miles of remaining roads, aze located on both public and private <br />property. A relatively minimal amount of sediment delivery from these structures to Dutch and Coal <br />Creeks may be expected in the future. <br />The main road, which provides access across private land to the U.S. Forest Service public lands, <br />poses some degree of sediment risk. This is because the road drainage system that was constructed by <br />the mining company is still in existence. This drainage system is inadequate to appropriately control <br />erosion below drainage culverts. The problem is most pronounced over the upper three quarters of the <br />road, where it traverses private property. The impact to the quality of Dutch Creek as a result of this <br />Coal Basin Mine Reduced Inspection Frequency September 10, 2007 <br />8 <br />