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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 <br />inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />William J. Carter conducted a partial inspection at the APEX #2 mine site on <br />August 15, 1996. In attendance were Pat Davey of US Natural Resource <br />Conservation Service (Steamboat Springs office), and Greg Lewicki, operator's <br />representative (revegetation contractor). <br />Comparative Vegetation: <br />I arrived early to check on the vegetative cover on similar areas farther up the <br />valley. It appears that similar dry areas have a weak stand of grasses at this <br />time. It also appears that due to drought conditions this summer, the seed <br />crop on the Gambel's Oak (Quercus garnbelii) is less than 1 /10 normal size. <br />ReveQetation: <br />Several of the yard locations have a very weak stand of the three grass species <br />planted to the site. These areas appeared to be under extreme water stress and <br />the soil was proven to be very dry with only slight moisture below eight to <br />ten inches. This moisture was not enough to support continued vegetative <br />growth. <br />Four locations were sampled for soil testing. At each location one sample was <br />taken from the surface to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches and another sample <br />was taken from a depth of about 8 to 12 inches. At one of the locations a very <br />hard compact layer was encountered just below the transition zone of the top <br />soil and the waste coal, (at least ten inches below the surface). Mr. Lewicki <br />stated that he was sending these eight samples to be tested at CSU, and that he <br />would send the results to both myself and Mr. Davey as soon as he receives <br />the results. Mr. Lewicki is also going to send me the results that he obtained <br />from soil tests performed at an earlier date. <br />After receiving this information Mr. Davey will give us his recommendation <br />on other varieties of plants that should do well under these specific <br />conditions. <br />It was agreed that when all of the information is in we will have a discussion <br />about how to obtain a reasonable permanent vegetative cover for this site. It <br />was also agreed that if the weather is as dry after snow melt as it was this year <br />irrigation may be required to establish good cover. Mr. Lewicki will ascertain <br />if water is available for this use. <br />/ ZLc 1 of .'~- <br />