2008-05-15_REPORT - C1980006 (3)

Home Browse Search

Marr Mine and Loadout March 12, 2008 2007 Reclamation Report Aggressive noxious weed control measures were implemented in 2000 in several areas to control and eliminate localized weed infestations. These measures have generally been effective. Weed control activities in 2004 and 2005 included only inspection, manual control (digging and disposal) and limited spraying of scattered occurrences of thistle (primarily Canadian and scotch thistle). Spraying was conducted in 2006 in accordance with the bi-annual spraying schedule. The chemicals used include Tordon and 2-4-D. Mine areas where weed control activities occurred included the low areas of the 720 Pit and Pit 1 reclaimed areas, the ridge on the west side of the 720 Pit, the margins of the shop area and along the main access road. Weed control at the Loadout included the railroad right-of-way and in the vicinity of the shop building and the pond embankment. The Jackson County weed control agent confirmed that there was no knapweed found at the Loadout as had been previously reported by the DRMS inspector. Note that Kerr conducted Year 9 and 10 revegetation sampling at the mine in 2005 and 2006. In 2005, Kerr provided additional information pertaining to changing the status of the access road to Pond G and 900 feet of the main mine access road to a permanent light use road. Also, a Permanent Pond demonstration for Pond F was submitted to the DRMS. Approval of these changes was granted during 2007 for the road sections and to retain Pond F as a permanent structure. Previously, Kerr has obtained DRMS approval for grazing on the Mine Area. In 2004, 500 head of cattle were grazed for 8 days in July. In 2005 and 2006, the grazing schedule was modified and due to the year 9 and 10 vegetation study being conducted at the site, grazing was postponed. During 2007, given the anticipation of conducting a bond release inspection during the season, grazing was not scheduled. Map 1 (2007 Mine Area Reclamation) presents the general location and extent of site activities completed during 2007 as well as during previous years for the Mine area. Map 2 presents the reclaimed and permanent areas for the Loadout. These activities are described in more detail in the following sections. 1.0 MINING AND TOPSOIL REMOVAL Active mining operations at the Marr Mine ceased in January 1993 and no mining or significant topsoil removal activities have occurred subsequent to that date. 2.0 BACKFILLING AND REGRADING No backfilling or re-grading was conducted in any new areas at the Marr Mine or Loadout during 2007. However, Ponds C and G were backfilled, embankments and spillways removed, regraded, re-seeded, mulched and crimped in 2006. The estimated reclaimed area of the ponds and related ditches is 7.9 acres. 3.0 OVERBURDEN STOCKPILES No overburden stockpiles remain at the Marr Mine. The primary overburden stockpile at the Marr Mine was removed and the associated disturbance area reclaimed in 1993-94 in conjunction with reclamation of the 720 Pit.