2010-03-19_REPORT - C1982057 (10)

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E 0 Mine Area Total Disturbance Area Permanent Facilities & Topsoil Replaced Disturbed area requiring topsoil Topsoil in stockpiles (Table 08.1) Mean Replacement Depth Tie-Across Haul Road Total Disturbance Area Topsoil in stockpiles (Table 08.1) Mean Replacement Depth REVEGETATION • Seeding and Shrub Planting 1,285.3 acres 1,201.2 acres 84.1 acres 75.5 ac-ft 0.9 feet (10.8 inches) 96.6 acres 73.1 ac-ft 0.7 feet (9 inches) A total of 38.4 acres were re-seeded and 27.8 acres were interseeded in 2009. The majority of the area was seeded with approved Seed Mix No. 1 (see Table 09.2, Seed Mix No. 1 for constituents) and Interseed mix (see Table 09.5, interseed mix for constituents). In addition, winter wheat was added as a cover crop at 20 lbs/acre to the Seed Mix 1. Seed Mix No. 2, Mesic Drainage/Riparian, was used along the constructed portions of postmining channels (see Table 09.3, Seed Mix No. 2 for constituents). Of the 66.2 acres reseeded/interseeded, 2.1 acres are newly established shrub plots. These areas were hand seeded with Concentrated Shrub Seeding Mix No. 6 (see Table 09.4, Seed Mix No. 6 for constituents). Shrub Plots. Approximately 4,000 one gallon sized shrubs and trees were planted. 3,000 shrubs were planted in a new plots (2009-1 thru 2009-9) and 1,000 were added to existing plots. Locations of the sites are shown on the attached 2009 Chronological Seeding map. • Monitoring ESCO Associates, Inc conducted revegetation monitoring of permanently revegetated areas and shrub establishment monitoring in the shrub plot areas during the summer and fall of 2009. The 2009 Annual Revegetation Monitoring Report will be submitted as a separate document. • Weed Control A survey for noxious weeds was carried out on the II-W mine area in the spring of 2009. Monitoring was conducted to determine the need or level of re-treatment necessary for the areas sprayed in 2009. Canada thistle was the primary target species in all control areas, with lesser activity directed toward areas of .don hounds tongue and whitetop. The applied herbicide consisted of a tank mix of 2.5 gallons of 22K Tor and 2.5 gallons of 2,4,D and 250 gallons of water. Escort, at the rate of one (1) ounce per acre was spot sprayed on whitetop. Control areas were sprayed in May, June, and July. See the attached 2009 Weed Spray Location map for the extent of weed control spraying. • A spot spray gun was used to concentrate spraying activities on target areas, reducing potential impacts to adjacent desirable vegetation. The herbicide mix, based on recommendations from the Colorado State Extension Service, was mixed and applied by an outside contractor who is a certified applicator. The weed control areas will continue to be monitored in 2010 for effectiveness and necessary retreatment. See the 2