Laserfiche WebLink
Hydrologic Balance <br /> There are no ponds on the site. The only ditch remaining on the site is the approximate 30-foot long <br /> diversion ditch excavated in May 2004 by DRMS, located above the west side of the former portal <br /> area. As noted during previous inspections, much of this ditch is armored with underlying bedrock. <br /> No sediment fans or deltas, or signs of excessive erosion (gullies, rills, etc.)have been noted on the site <br /> in past inspections, and they were not evident during this inspection(although snow cover limited <br /> ground observations). Although no runoff was occurring during this inspection, positive drainage <br /> appeared to exist throughout the site. No leachate forming substances were found on the site. <br /> Backfill and Grading <br /> The approved reclamation plan specified that the portal area was to be regraded to a 3:1 slope. The <br /> upper part of the formal portal area is steeper than 3:1, but the overall slope of the former portal area is <br /> 3:1 or less. The regraded topography blends well with surrounding undisturbed lands. Small <br /> topographic depressions (for capturing runoff)remain in the former portal area where shrub clumps <br /> were planted. <br /> Revegetation <br /> As noted during previous inspections, revegetated areas have a large amount of diverse cover. Shrubs, <br /> grasses, and weeds are developing in the diversion ditch excavated in May 2004. Scattered thistle has <br /> developed on the reclaimed portal bench. Vegetation species noted during past inspections are not <br /> toxic to wildlife or livestock. Woody shrubs show signs of browsing by wildlife. <br /> Slides and Damage <br /> The reclaimed portal area appeared stable with no signs of slope movement, although snow cover <br /> limited inspection. <br /> Subsidence <br /> No signs of subsidence were found in the former portal area. <br /> Reclamation Success <br /> Revegetated areas have an abundant, diverse cover of various grasses, forbs, and woody shrubs. <br /> (There are no bare spots on the site, based on past inspections.) The lands appear stable with no signs <br /> of slope instability or excessive erosion. No offsite impacts were found. The observations made <br /> during this inspection(and supplemented by past inspections) would support findings that the site has <br /> achieved the approved postmining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat, and the site qualifies for <br /> final bond release and termination of DRMS regulatory jurisdiction. <br />