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Mr. B. Oswald 10f30/03 Page 2 of 3 Question fit °Was the planned 2003 seeding carried out, and if so, what results have been observed so far this season?" Response: Seeding of all site disturbances related to the work on the 9360 and 9700 rock disposal areas, the related water diversion bypasses, and the work areas at the lower tailings facility was completed during the 2003 field season. Germination and vegetative response has occurred in most areas to varying degrees as of Fall, 2003. Revegetation areas will be monitored in the 2004 and successive growing seasons to assure that sufficient vegetation is established. Question #3: °HOW stable are the recentty created slope surfaces? Have there been rains during this latter part of summer, and if so, has erosion been observed?° Response: To date, no slope areas have evidence of instability. This will be monitored in the future and any identified stability issues addressed. Significant precipitation was not observed this last season partially due to sustained drought conditions; erosion, therefore, has not occurred on any of the reclaimed areas. Question #4: As part of the grading and topsoil borrowing from the lower tailings dam, was the top of the tailings dam graded to an undulating shape, as first discussed in the plan?" Response: Some undulation was incorporated to the dam top; most of the grading emphasis was placed on assuring that the top was free-draining on the surface and that water would not be conveyed to the downstream face of the dam. In addition, the top was generally gently sloped to the interior of the impoundment as part of the grading effort necessary to move soil cover onto the in-place tailings surface. This was accomplished with use of a dozer in combination with truck haulage of soil to areas of exposed tailings farthest from the dam. Question #5: °The long haul road to the lower tailings dam was to be stabilized, with better drainage controls among other things. Was any such work performed?" Response: Yes. See response to Question #1 above. Question #6: °Was a vehicle barrier constructed to prevent unauthorized access to the 9700 level dump, as suggested by this office? Is the bac~lling and contouring of the minor add performed at the 97001evel stable?" Response: A vehicle rock barrier has been placed across the road to prevent vehicular access onto the 9700 waste rock site and closed portal area. The old adit was graded and covered; to date, the area is stable and will be monitored along with the other reclaimed areas in the 9700 vicinity. Question ry7: "Is the pneumatic backfilling and surface contouring of the 9360 portal stable? Is the area outside the portal dry and has all construction debris been removed?" Response: The 9360 pneumatic backfill as well as the cover over the portal entry have been stable to date with little expectation that settling or erosion will occur in the future. This area will be inspected during future reviews of the reclaimed site. Question #8: "What is the status of the noxious weed control efforts at the sde? Are existing stands being adequately contained?" Response: Herbicide controls have continued on areas of identified Canadian thistle populations. Thistle areas that have been sprayed for the last several seasons appear to be shrinking in size and health, however, complete control has not been achieved. It is doubtful that total eradication can or will be achieved. Spray application control will continue on identified thistle locations within reclaimed site areas. Question f19: Are areas of new construction/reclamation showing any signs of infestation?" Response: Not at this early stage after reseeding of disturbed areas. The areas will be monitored and herbicide applied to any new identified areas of thistle.