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III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection <br />and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />swales through the northern portion of the area, which support wetland species including <br />willows, sedges and rushes. No problems were observed which would preclude bond release <br />for the parcel; vegetation was dominated by desirable forage species, with a minimal weedy <br />component, and,,there was no evidence of erosion. Elk droppings were plentiful across the DP <br />area, giving witness to the value of the reclaimed site as winter forage. <br />Phase II Irrigated Pasture Areas <br />Two IP parcels comprise the phase II release request area. Phase 11 Area 1 is a 16.2 acre parcel <br />located on Benson property northeast of the intersection of County Roads BB and 2700 <br />("Sunshine Corner"). The parcel was initially reclaimed in 2000, with a portion of the area re- <br />disturbed (additional topsoiling and revegetation) in 2007. Phase II Area 2 is a 10.6 acre parcel <br />located southeast of Sunshine Corner, on property owned by WFC. Both parcels exhibited a <br />relatively dense cover dominated by low growing alfalfa, with a significant component of the <br />seeded grasses, meadow brome and orchard grass. As noted for the Phase III irrigated areas, <br />growth is reduced this year compared to most years, due primarily to the late onset of irrigation. <br />Ground cover was uniformly high, with little bare ground exposed, no erosion evident, and no <br />significant presence of undesirable weedy species. <br />Two holes were dug in Area 1, and four holes were dug in Area 2 (Photo 5), to check soil <br />replacement thickness. Holes were dug using a sharpshooter shovel and a hand auger. Hole <br />locations and descriptions are as follows: <br />#I. Northern portion of Area 2, 30 yards east of topsoil stockpile. 30" thickness of sandy <br />loam/sandy clay loam soil to overburden (gray shale with some carbonaceous flecks). <br />#2- Northern portion of Area 2, 40 yards east of Hole # 1. 48" soil thickness; overburden <br />boundary indicated by change from reddish to tan color change. <br />#3. Southern portion of Area 2, 150 yards east of 2700 Road. 16" thickness, with overburden <br />boundary indicated by numerous small sandstone fragments. <br />#4. Southern portion of Area 2, 50 yards west of Hole #3. 25" soil thickness, to gray clayey <br />material with sandstone fragments. <br />#5. Area 1, approximately 130 yards north of BB Road and 50 yards east of 2700 Road. Soil <br />thickness 32", to tan, sandy overburden. <br />#6. Northern portion of Area 1, approximately 150 yards east of 2700 Road. Soil thickness <br />43". <br />Based on the depth checks measured during the inspection, average soil replacement thickness <br />was approximately 37.5" in Area 1, and 30" in Area 2. This information will be compared with, <br />and used to supplement soil replacement documentation provided by the operator, as a <br />component of the SL-12, Phase II compliance evaluation. Permit Map 2.05.4-4 "Postmining <br />Topsoil Replacement, New Horizon 2 Study Area" indicates a minimum total thickness of 23" was <br />applicable to Area 1, and a minimum total soil thickness of 37" was applicable to Area 2. <br />Irrigated Pasture Reference Area <br />New Horizon Mine C-1981-008 02- and 04-Jun-2010 <br />-3.