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<br />III. Comments - Compliance <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of <br />observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any <br />enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence <br />supporting the enforcement action. <br />Pre-mining and reclamation maps of Pits 5 and 6 show similar <br />geomorphic features. Pit 5 had a ridge running roughly west to <br />east and Pit 6 was a south-facing slope bisected by a drainage. A <br />ridge was not re-established at Pit 5. Rather, following <br />reclamation, Pit 5 area is basically a flat plateau with slopes on <br />upper, west end, and on the lower, east and north ends. Erosion is <br />controlled by an extensive network of deep contour furrows, an <br />upper clean water diversion ditch and a collection ditch above the <br />lower slopes on the north and east sides. During the inspection, <br />there was evidence of earlier rilling on the slopes which have <br />subsequently become well-vegetated and stabilized. Pit 6 is a <br />south-facing slope bisected by a drainage coming in from the <br />northwest. The Pit 6 topography varies from the proposed post- <br />mining topography in that a small 15' x 20' area on the east end of <br />the bottom of the pit does not drain. Phreatophytic grasses have <br />grown up in this depression. <br />Both pits blend well with the surrounding topography. There are <br />three drainages in and around Pit 5 where there were originally <br />two. Pit 6 drainage density is the same post-mining as it was pre- <br />mining. The two pits do appear to meet the general criteria of <br />approximate original contour. <br />Mr. Emmett wished to examine the drain and buttress installation on <br />Slide 3 on the Pit 4 haul road. The Division has requested that <br />Rockcastle do additional work so that the installation is <br />constructed according to the design. The operator needs to <br />maintain the culverts along the Pit 4 haul road, or remove the <br />structures in accordance with the Settlement Agreement. <br />Revegetation at Pit 4 is substantial. Wheat from the mulch has <br />grown throughout the disturbance area to approximately 2.5' in <br />height. Forbs and perennial grasses are sprouting along the drill <br />rows. The wheat should provide a valuable living mulch to protect <br />the topsoil. It is hoped that the wheat will not out-compete the <br />perennial species. <br />A sheepherder was parked along the main road between the access <br />roads to Pit 4 and Pits 2/3. It was not clear whether he was <br />responsible for any sheep at the time. There was no sign of sheep <br />or earlier grazing at the pits. <br />There was water in contour furrows around the site and some water <br />in Pond 4 and 5/6. Pond 5/6 was discharging. <br />The inspector was unable to check records during this inspection. <br />This complete inspection will remain open a month to permit the <br />