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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <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 inspection <br />and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection of the OC#2 Mine conducted by Dan Mathews of CDRMS. Weather was cloudy and cool <br />Site conditions were relatively dry, with no water in the sediment pond. <br />Roads: The remaining permanent road segment was stable, with no rills or signs of recent use <br />Hydrologic Balance: As noted, the site was dry, with no water in the sediment pond. <br />Revegeta[ion/Reclamation Success: Fence gates were closed when I amved at the site, and the fence enclosing the <br />reclaimed mine site slopes was in good condition. There was no evidence of cattle grazing inside the fence during the year <br />There was evidence of recent elk grazing throughout the site. <br />The 2.34 acre fenced slope portion of the reclaimed area was in[erseeded with a mix consisting of five native grasses and <br />blue flax (13.3 # per acre PLS), plus mountain big sagebmsh (0.1 # per acre PLS), in October 2006. As noted in the June <br />inspection report, there was some geanination of seeded grasses, blue flax, and sagebrush scattered across [he site this year, <br />but growth of the seedlings is not yet sufficient to make a significant visual impact on the site. A fairly high percentage of <br />[he older, established grass plants produced seed this year. Continued rest from livestock grazing is planned through 2009, <br />to provide the recently seeded vegetation an opportunity to become established, and to allow the site to recover from past <br />drought and concentrated use. <br />The small patches of Canada thistle noted in past inspection reports, in the northeast portion of the site are still evident, but <br />density and vigor seem reduced compared to previous years, and there has been no expansion of the patches. Continued <br />monitoring and treatment will be warranted. A small patch of scentless chamomile has become established along the <br />roadside and embankment, just inside the gate. Scentless chamomile is an annual, white petaled "daisy" type flower, with <br />highly dissected leaves, that is included as a "List B" noxious weed on [he state noxious weed list. The small patch should <br />be Veated next spring to prevent further spread. <br />Support Facilities: As noted, Castleton Ranch fence crew performed considerable fence maintenance work at the site <br />during 2006 and earlier this year, and the fence now appears to be in sound condition. Arrangements have been made with <br />Castleton Ranch to perform fence maintenance and weed control at [he site, as conditions warrant, through 2009. <br />