_INSPECTION - C1981019 (50) - Laserfiche WebLink

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The final East Pit 2009 reclamation appears stable and well-vegetated. The vegetation is mostly weed species,but this is typical of new reclamation and weeds are expected to give way to seeded species as time progresses. The final East Pit ditch is being constructed as reclamation progresses. This rock-lined channel connects to North Trib. Some rilling was observed in this area. Ms Sekulski-Barton indicated that gullies have been repaired by dozer, some rilling has been repaired by hand and the remainder will be completed by hand soon. Topsoil depths were verified in five randomly selected locations within the East Pit Phase II reclamation area. Holes were dug with a shovel. Observed depths ranged from 12"to 19" (#1 = 16", #2 = 16.5", #3 = 12", #4= 19", #5 = 19"). Hydrology: Section 16 Pond was holding water but not discharging. Section 28 Pond was dry, embankment and discharge structures appear stable, weeds were being sprayed. Prospect Pond was holding water and just barely discharging. That pond embankment has historically failed and was repaired. It appears stable and is functioning as designed. Gulch A Pond contains some water but was not discharging. Streeter Pond contained water and was discharging. The fill underdrain supplies most of the water to this pond(surface diversions dry and stable). Washbay Pond holding water but not discharging. Work Area Pond holding water but not discharging. Gossard Pond holding water but not discharging. Rail Loop Pond needs to be cleaned out this summer. Stoker Siding Pond holding water and discharging. West Taylor Pond holding water and discharging through the primary discharge structure. East Taylor Pond was holding water. West Pit Pond had low water and was not discharging. The Freshwater Storage Pond was holding water but not discharging(water is pumped from here for use on site). Sumps 2, 3 and 4 contained water and sediment. These are cleaned about once per month in the summer. Culverts were spot-checked. `B"looks good, "M" has some sediment but the small sump in front helps keep the culvert clear, "K"may need to be cleaned soon but is ok for the time being, "P"is in rough shape and may need to be replaced in the near future. We walked roughly eight miles of the perimeter ditch system starting at the Section 29 Ditch and ending at the Streeter Pond. A portion of the Section 28 Ditch is lined and needs repair. It appears that an animal hoof pierced the liner and a tear now spans the entire ditch. Running water would undercut the remaining lined channel. Several spoil springs were noted along the East Collector Ditch. Mr. Stark took GPS points for mine personnel so the springs may be accurately identified and monitored. Wildlife: Antelope were observed on the Section 16 topsoil stockpile. A muskrat was observed in Streeter Pond while a Golden Eagle was observed flying overhead. Several herds of elk were observed, each with numerous calves. Two great horned owls were seen by the perimeter diversion on the SE side of the mine site. A coyote was seen above the West Pit Pond. Signs and markers: Signs and markers were evaluated throughout the mine site. The mine ID sign at the entrance to the site contained all of the necessary information and was well-