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