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Guideline <br />for the <br />Management of Noxious Weeds <br />on Coal Mine Permit Areas <br />I. Introduction <br />The infestation of noxious weeds on agricultural lands and rangeland is a serious problem in <br />Colorado and other western states. Reduced productivity, loss of ecological diversity and <br />wildlife habitat, and livestock health hazards can result from noxious weed infestation. <br />Land disturbances associated with mining provide habitat conducive to the invasion and <br />spread of a number of undesirable species. In recent years, infestations of noxious weeds <br />including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, musk thistle, and Scotch thistle have been observed <br />on coalmine disturbed aeeas in various regions of the state. <br />This guideline has been developed due to the potential deleterious impacts of noxious <br />weeds on reclaimed areas and adjacent lands, and the lack of specific direction provided by <br />the regulations. The purpose of the guideline is to set forth the operating policy based upon <br />the regulations as applied to the operator's management of noxious weeds. <br />II. Applicable Regulations <br />Regulations referenced below reflect the consistent themes that operations and reclamation <br />are to be conducted in such a way as to minimize adverse environmental impacts and ensure <br />that reclaimed lands will support the approved postmining land use. References to noxious <br />and poisonous plants and pest control measures reflect the fact that, in some instances, <br />special management practices may be required to control undesirable plants or prevent their <br />spread in order to minimize offsite impacts, and ensure that reclaimed lands will fully <br />support the postmining land use. <br />A. Reclamation Plan <br />Rule 2.05.4(2)(e)(v) specifies that the revegetation plan contained within the mining <br />and reclamation permit application contain a description of any "pest and disease <br />control measures" to be employed. <br />B. Topsoil Storage <br />Rule 4.06.3(2)(a)(i) specifies that topsoil stockpiles be protected from erosion by the <br />establishment of "An effective cover ofnon-noxious, quick growing annual and <br />perennial plants ..." <br />