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In addition to revegetated areas, vigilance will be maintained for other locations conducive to <br />noxious weed populations. Such areas include: riparian areas, topsoil piles, major traffic <br />areas, road cuts and fill slopes, ditches, pond embankments, non-use areas, etc. <br />Weed control measures may include mowing, discing (conventional cultivation), burning, <br />grazing, or applying an approved herbicide. Weedy annual species (such as pennycress) with <br />a single season life cycle provide initial site stabilization and moisture conservation in newly <br />seeded reclamation sites; as such they will not be specifically targeted for control. <br />Historically, seedings on reclaimed sites have greatly out competed annual weed infestations <br />within three or four growing seasons. <br />Specific control measures will be selected by evaluating the location, growth characteristics <br />and vulnerability of each weed. Management efforts will begin after proper planning and <br />evaluation are performed. Proper use of chemicals applied during weed control is ensured by <br />oversight of weed spraying activities by individual(s) certified by the State of Colorado to <br />handle and apply herbicides. <br />Colowyo reserves the right to change and modify the practices and materials it utilizes within <br />the weed management program to achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal <br />rules and regulations. Colowyo will evaluate each infestation on an individual basis in order <br />to ensure proper methods, timing, materials and manpower are utilized for maximum <br />effectiveness. <br />Measures for Determining Success of Reve etg ation <br />The success of revegetation will be determined as explained in subsection 4.15. <br />Soil Testing Plan <br />From conception to the mid-1990's, Colowyo tested for topsoil fertility. In order to assure <br />that the reapplied topsoil will support the proposed post-mining land use of rangeland, a soil <br />sampling program will be implemented. Soil samples were taken randomly over each <br />retopsoiled area and were analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. <br />Historical results indicated adequate nutrient value to support post-mining revegetation. <br />Colowyo has demonstrated through numerous years of monitoring that topsoil fertility is not <br />a concern at the mine; this is mainly due to the nutrient rich soil that is commonly present <br />throughout the region. As a result, Colowyo has suspended the soil testing program <br />requirements, until such time as Colowyo determines that the soil fertility adversely affects <br />the reclamation and/or the post-mining land use. <br />As needed other soil amendments will be added to the reclaimed areas to support reclamation <br />efforts. <br />Acid-Forming and Toxic-Forming Materials <br />No significant acid-forming materials exist within the overburden soil or coal seams to be <br />mined. Therefore, Colowyo will not undertake special handling procedures as described in <br />2.05-64 Revision Date: 3/14/08 <br />Revision No.: TR-72