INSPEC15384 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

At the "top end" of the 720 pit drainage, there is some erosion under the netting that was placed on the steep slope at the head of the drainage. Perennial vegetation is coming up through the netting but some rills bear watching and possibly some attention before the next spring tvnoff. Cattle have trod holes in the netting in many places. Slides & Damage: There has been no movement on the repaired settlement crack above the old Pit 1 highwall on the side of the PD3 drainage. Fish/VVildlife: Agreat deal of wildlife was spotted on this inspection. A golden eagle took off on my approach from the Pit I area (PD-4 drainage.) There aze abundant rodent butrows all through the old Pit l area. A herd of l7 antelope were resting in the draw above Pond B; they took off in the direction of pond C. There were 7 ducks in Pond B. Pond E held 14 ducks and 39 ducklings of various sizes. A badger (as it appeared from a distance) was traversing along the pond about 60 yards from the dam. There were gophers all over the dam at Pond E. Revegetation: There is a great deal of thistle up the drainage from Pond A toward the Canadian Mine. Concentrations exist where the powerline crosses the drainage, where the 2 drainages meet, 100 yards up the drainage from Pond A, and all around Pond A. Most of the thistle appears to be Canadian thistle, but a lot of musk thistle rosettes (first year growth) occur in patches. Several large patches of thistle were discovered at the bottom of the south-facing slope at the south end of the 720 pit and at the bottom of that drainage. Yarrow is blooming abundantly across the 720 Pit area. Another thistle infestation at the top of the east-facing hill of the 720 pit where the netting was laid. (The infestation is centered where Flow converges in the saddle to run down the slope.) This thistle is about to bloom. It occurs all along the slope to the south, especially along the contour furrows. Another thistle patch occurs in the southwest comer of the permit area at the top of the netting there. It is clear that thistle represents a real problem at the Marr Mine site. Jim Mossman, of the Kerr Coal Company, has been discussing the problem with the Jackson County coordinator and the BLM representative and has worked out a strategy. He indicates he will begin spraying this week, attempting to hit all the currently- noted patches. Oifsite Facilities: The Marr Tipple facility was visited. There is evidence of disturbance since my last visit, as doors that are always closed have been left open and one wooden door is knocked down. Other than that, the facility is still in place, there is no evidence of erosion or any significant problems.