2008-05-15_REPORT - C1981014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2007 Reclamation Report Southfield Mine interseeding (25 percent) of the reclaimed Loadout areas was approved by the DMG, with the understanding that this limited work would not affect the current liability schedule (10-year period initiated by secondary reseeding in 1999). IME, Inc., sample/monitored the Loadout site during the summer season of 2006. Results of data obtained from the monitoring is included in the Revegetation Monitoring Report for Reclaimed Areas in the section titled "Loadout Reclamation". EFCI has revegetated a cumulative total of approximately 82.1 acres at the Mine Site and Loadout areas as shown on the attached Annual Reclamation Report form. Maps accompanying this report show all revegetated areas, with the exception of approximately 1.5 acres of minor road segments revegetated in 2003 at the North Well and Corley Well areas. The previously revegetated areas are shown on Map 1, Mine Site Reclamation, Map 2, Ancillary Facility Areas Reclamation, and Map 3, Loadout Area Reclamation. As previously stated during 2006, Mr. Kent Crofts of I.M.E., Inc., did the interim revegetation sampling and reporting at the mine site, the refuse pile area and at the Loadout site. According to the conclusion of the report, as had been recommended by the Division, 15 cover transects, 30 production transect and 30 shrub density transects were sampled on each reclaimed site. Comparisons of the various revegetation data required are well detailed in IME's 2006 Monitoring Report. It is IME's opinion that, based on their 2006 interim monitoring with respect to woody plant density for the mine portal area and the warm season species diversity, the existing Permit Revegetation Success Standards should be revised due to inconsistency for comparing vegetation. IME recommends that EFCI submits a Minor Revision to modify the existing revegetation success standards in the permit document. Weed Control Activities One small plot of Knappweed was discovered adjacent to and at the west edge of the parking lot on the Vento property. The agent with the Fremont County Weed control Agency sprayed the Knappweed with the certified herbicide during 2005 and again in the 2006 season. EFCI will continue to inspect these areas and will implement necessary weed control measures consistent with approved management plans. During 2007, given the heavy vegetation growth in the region and the resulting demand on the county weed control agency, the agency had insufficient time to treat the Knappweed at Southfield. Consequently, EFCI pulled and disposed of many of the Knappweed at the mine site. During 2006, Dr. Corley as land owner of the Corley property, sprayed Tamarisk shrubs along the mine entrance road and adjacent to the Magpie Diversion ditch. Given that the spraying was executed by the land owner, EFCI does not have information on details of the spraying procedure used.