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will likely be warranted. Note that there is significant overlap among the issues addressed in <br />this Item, Item 8, and Item 9, all related to cheatgrass competition and the need for a site <br />visit/meeting among interested parties to observe and discuss the cheatgrass related concerns. <br />a) I recommend that you attempt to schedule the site visit/meeting during the current field <br />season. Please keep me informed and let me know if you have questions or need my <br />assistance. <br />b) In the April 8, 2008 submittal, BME included revised versions of the seed mixes in Tables <br />V-10 and V-11. Table V-10 presents seeding rates on a PLS seed per square foot basis, while <br />Table V-11 presents the same mixes on a PLS pounds per acre basis. In general, the proposed <br />modifications result in over-all seeding rate reductions and increase in the percentage of <br />native species relative to introduced species, and the proposed changes are acceptable. <br />However, we did note some errors. The Table V-10 column subtotals for shrub seeding rates <br />and total seeding rates are incorrect. Table V-11 Total Grasses subtotals for all three columns <br />and Total Mix totals for the 1St and 3`d columns also appear to be in error. <br />Please review the proposed mixes and correct the column subtotals and totals as <br />warranted. <br />DRMS had requested that BME consider initiation of the field trial test plots (for refuse area <br />soil handling practices related to cheatgrass suppression) prior to the next cycle of refuse pit <br />reclamation, and provide an amended study plan and schedule for the phased field trial <br />implementation and reporting. Our original suggestion was that amendments to the field trial <br />plan be submitted after the on-site agency meeting had been held, to allow for consideration <br />and discussion of the field trials at that meeting. BME has updated relevant application text to <br />indicate that soil analyses related to the issue will be implemented at least one year prior to <br />test plot construction, and that the plots (subsoil over topsoil and internal stockpile topsoil <br />over subsoil) will be constructed during the next cycle of refuse pit reclamation (anticipated <br />for the fall of 2012). <br />I believe that a more detailed field trial plan with plot location and layout will need to be <br />provided, and that initiation of the field trials in 2009 or 2010 may be warranted, if suitable <br />locations are available. I had noted in a previous memo that details regarding the field trial <br />plan and timing would be an appropriate topic for the on-site agency meeting. I had <br />previously assumed we could extend TR-65 until after the meeting had been held. However, <br />given the time that has elapsed, it may be best to accept the generalized field trial plan, but <br />advise BME that we will likely require a separate revision application with a more detailed <br />plan and possibly earlier implementation, following the meeting. I would suggest that <br />following wording. <br />For the purposes of TR-65, we will accept the proposed generalized field trial <br />commitment. A more detailed field trial design (location, layout, topsoil and subsoil <br />source areas and recovery methods etc.) will need to be provided in a separate revision <br />application to be submitted following the on-site agency meeting. The benefit and <br />practicality of earlier implementation of the field trial will also be discussed at the