2010-04-06_REVISION - M1979205 (13)

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Scott Gravel Pit Application to Garfield County Life of Mine Weed Treatment Program Date: February 5, 2010 There are significant areas of Russian olive, tamarisk and knapweed on the site. These plants have been present for many years. The intent of the program is to remove current noxious weeds, Russian olive and tamarisk on the property, including those areas that will not be mined, as well as maintain an ongoing program for removal of these plants for the life of the operation through bond release of the reclaimed areas. Current areas of these undesirable species are shown on Map C-1. In 2010, the planned startup year, the following efforts will take place:: a) all noxious weeds will be sprayed with a herbicide from the access road area and a buffer of 40 feet on either side leading to Mining Area 1, b) all Russian olive and tamarisk will be removed from the entire access road area and a buffer of 40 feet on either side. This work will be done using the cut stump and herbicide method where the trees will be cut near ground level and an herbicide is then applied to the stump to help eliminate new plants from sprouting. Cut material will either be burned or placed in the clumps piles on areas shown on the revised Map C-1. These piles are good habitat for small mammals. The herbicide used in Item a) and b) above must be approved by the Garfield County Vegetation Manager. Also, in 2010, the initial portion of mining Area 1 to be disturbed will be delineated. The area 40 feet outside this boundary will be treated as outlined in a) and b) above. After 2010, a 3-4 year program of Russian olive and tamarisk removal will be executed, where the cut stump and herbicide method will be used to eliminate these plants on approximately 7-10 acres per year. All areas outside the mining areas will be targeted for this planned work, including the entire area inside the oxbow. It is planned to use the Rifle Correctional Facility (SWIFT) program to provide the labor for the work. If the SWIFT crew is unable to do the work, United will make arrangements with alternative labor sources to assure that the work is done. United commits to working with the County Vegetation Manager and completing the work on at least 7 acres per year for as many years as necessary until the trees are eradicated. United will also monitor the areas that were cut to look for young tree saplings that may still sprout from the stumps. Any new saplings found will be removed and/or treated with herbicide. Also, every year after 2010, a noxious weed survey (including tamarisk and Russian olive) will be done each mid-April and the work identified for that year will be determined and submitted to the County Vegetation Manager. This will be called the Scott Pit Annual Weed Control Plan. Noxious weed spraying with herbicide will take place 2x per year or whatever interval is necessary, as determined by the County Vegetation Manager. The timing of this spraying is also decided by the County Vegetation Manager, although the work must The coordinated with the wildlife specialist of Westwater consultants in Grand Junction, to ensure that the eagle pair and their young are not disturbed by any weed or tree removal activities. These activities will take place on the disturbed and undisturbed areas, as required. It is known that significant areas of Russian knapweed occur on the site and have been in place for many years. This is the principal target of the spraying program, although other noxious weeds will be treated in the same way. Scott Pit March 10 E-8