_INSPECTION - C1981008 (51) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ill. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. swales through the northern portion of the area,which support wetland species including willows,sedges and rushes. No problems were observed which would preclude bond release for the parcel;vegetation was dominated by desirable forage species,with a minimal weedy component, and,there was no evidence of erosion. Elk droppings were plentiful across the DP area, giving witness to the value of the reclaimed site as winter forage. Phase II Irrigated Pasture Areas Two IP parcels comprise the phase II release request area. Phase II Area 1 is a 16.2 acre parcel located on Benson property northeast of the intersection of County Roads BB and 2700 ("Sunshine Corner"). The parcel was initially reclaimed in 2000,with a portion of the area re- disturbed (additional topsoiling and revegetation) in 2007. Phase II Area 2 is a 10.6 acre parcel located southeast of Sunshine Corner, on property owned by WFC. Both parcels exhibited a relatively dense cover dominated by low growing alfalfa,with a significant component of the seeded grasses, meadow brome and orchard grass. As noted for the Phase III irrigated areas, growth is reduced this year compared to most years, due primarily to the late onset of irrigation. Ground cover was uniformly high,with little bare ground exposed, no erosion evident, and no significant presence of undesirable weedy species. Two holes were dug in Area 1,and four holes were dug in Area 2 (Photo 5), to check soil replacement thickness. Holes were dug using a sharpshooter shovel and a hand auger. Hole locations and descriptions are as follows: #1. Northern portion of Area 2, 30 yards east of topsoil stockpile. 30"thickness of sandy loam/sandy clay loam soil to overburden (gray shale with some carbonaceous flecks). #2. Northern portion of Area 2, 40 yards east of Hole #1. 48" soil thickness;overburden boundary indicated by change from reddish to tan color change. #3. Southern portion of Area 2, 150 yards east of 2700 Road. 16"thickness,with overburden boundary indicated by numerous small sandstone fragments. #4. Southern portion of Area 2,50 yards west of Hole #3. 25" soil thickness, to gray clayey material with sandstone fragments. #5. Area 1,approximately 130 yards north of BB Road and 50 yards east of 2700 Road. Soil thickness 32", to tan,sandy overburden. #6. Northern portion of Area 1, approximately 150 yards east of 2700 Road. Soil thickness Based on the depth checks measured during the inspection,average soil replacement thickness was approximately 37.5" in Area 1, and 30" in Area 2. This information will be compared with, and used to supplement soil replacement documentation provided by the operator,as a component of the SL-12, Phase Il compliance evaluation. Permit Map 2.05.4-4 "Postmining Topsoil Replacement, New Horizon 2 Study Area" indicates a minimum total thickness of 23"was applicable to Area 1, and a minimum total soil thickness of 37"was applicable to Area 2. Irrigated Pasture Reference Area New Horizon Mine C-1981-008 02-and 04-Jun-2010 -3.