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MINING PLAN <br />done, of by digging, coring, or examination of other exposures of the soil <br />profile. <br />c. Even more important than examining the soils, the vegetation will be carefully <br />examined to determine, in particular, whether noxious weeds are present in the <br />area or in adjacent areas and assessed as to how much noxious weed is present. <br />i. In the winter, not much can be done about the presence of noxious <br />weeds because they are dormant, but at least as assessment can be made <br />as to the extent of the problem. <br />ii. During the growing season, only very dense and extensive noxious <br />weed populations (mainly leafy spurge) on the land to be mined and <br />within about 100 feet of the expected extent of the mining will be <br />treated five to seven days prior to soil stripping. The treatment will be <br />with appropriate herbicides. Within the mining area, glyphosate <br />(RoundUp®) or 2,4-D can be used. Outside the mining area, herbicides <br />that are more specific for the weeds should be used to avoid adverse <br />effects on desirable species (usually 2,4-D only). Minor amounts of <br />noxious weed growth does not need to be treated in upland sites as a <br />part of the pre-mining treatment. Refer to Exhibit C-6 to locate azeas of <br />significant noxious weed growth. <br />iii. NOTE: The zone of treatment beyond the expected mining extent is <br />larger in lowland areas because these are favorable habitats for the <br />common noxious weeds and they can expand rapidly in lowland areas. <br />In upland areas, the noxious weeds tend to be confined to very favorable <br />sites and do not appreciably spread from those locations due to suitable <br />habitats generally being surrounded by unfavorable habitats. <br />2. In the event no adverse soils or significant amounts of noxious weeds or ordnance are <br />found on or near the expected mining area, proceeding to topsoil removal can occur <br />immediately. In the winter, even if noxious weeds are found, topsoil removal can <br />proceed, but it will be noted that noxious weeds are present and will be in the salvaged <br />soil. Appropriate action will be taken later to reduce the weed population prior to <br />redistributing the soil on backfilled land as well as intensively manage the weeds <br />during revegetation. <br />3. At the same time this assessment is being done, the expected mining area will be <br />measured, mapped, elevation reference points established adjacent to the mining area <br />as well as relative elevations taken from within the mining area. This is necessary to <br />Coal Creek Sand Resource Amendment 3 (2005) - M-1988-044 Exhibit D Page 30 <br />