2004-01-29_REVISION - M1987113 (2)

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CGunh Raneh Page I RouEy Flats PU - M-1987-113 January 29, 200! WEED CONTROL PLAN This plan will be implemented as part of the normal operation of the mine. Diffused and Spotted Rnapweed infestations appear to be of the most concern in the Rocky Flats area. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service noted in their comments, much money has been spent to control these weeds on the Rocky Flats Plant and surround- ing areas. Church Ranch and adjoining mine, operators have partici- pated in the past spraying programs in this area also. Church Ranch has had an agricultural program in this area since 1869 and Mr. Charles C. McRay has been the manager of the ranch since 1979. During that time period he has observed that the spread of Rnapweed, Leafy Spurge, et al, has come up railroad ROWS and dispersed to adjoining lands and yet little is done to encourage the railroads to implement controls on their ROW's. While a weed plan can be prepared for this site, the success of implementation will be greatly influ- enced by how the problem weeds are controlled on surrounding areas. It is difficult to have good control on a single site unless the source of offsite infestation is not controlled. This is important that all interested parties understand that total eradication on this site is not possible as long as surrounding areas have not set up and implemented a weed control plan. After operations begin and a portion of the mining area is disturbed a site review will be done to prepare a map showing the various areas of Diffused and/or spotted Rnapweed infestations. We will use four designations to describe the amount of ground coverage found during the site inspections. We will not use any particular scien- tific method to make the designations, but will do compares of the various areas to determine the control method that will be most effective. The description under each coverage definition explains how we will establish that classification for the mine area. Heavy These areas are typically found on the edges of roads or around the active mining areas. Road areas are usually all in this area but only the sides and side ditches are infected. Areas that have been stripped of vegetation but not part of the high traffic areas will also be in this area. Diffused Rnapweed appears to grow best along the perimeters where the seeds accumulate on newly disturbed area. Little or no vegetation other that Diffused Rnapweed and other weed species grow in these areas. Moderate This area usually covers recent topsoil piles that are still being added to or road base material where the piles have not been disturbed for a growing season. Access to these areas may be limited. Ligfit This area covers most of the site because it is the heavy traffic areas where no vegetation exists. It will have product stock piles on it, is graded for storage or processing areas