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The field inspection was conducted in the late morning of June 7, 2011. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />The east side topsoil storage area was visited first. This is a former topsoil storage area <br />created from some of the first mining operations conducted at this mine. All topsoil has been <br />re-distributed and the site has been reclaimed in excess of six years. A ditch/berm is present <br />along the downgradient side of this 3 acre small disturbance in accordance with the design <br />plan. Straw bales are present on an upper bench and at the point where the ditch/berm <br />would release runoff to the undisturbed area adjacent to the access road. The upper set of <br />bales was found in good condition (see photograph). The lower set of bales requires minor <br />maintenance/replacement (see photograph). Some sedimentation/deposition has developed <br />in the ditch/berm some 150 feet to the south and minor cleanout is recommended to ensure <br />future functionality. Revegetation efforts are rated as good in places with some variation and <br />diversity due to slope and aspect. Soils in this area are rocky, limited, and poor. No <br />evidence of rills and gullies was noted. The cover is very similar to adjacent native area <br />cover in this harsh environment. While revegetation is the primary SAE sediment control <br />measure following reclamation, structural controls continue to be necessary for an unknown <br />period into the future. <br />SAE area BA-3 was visited next and traversed on foot. Straw bales were found established <br />along the downgradient side as per the design plan. Vegetation is relatively young at this <br />location, being one of the final areas to be reclaimed at this site. The disturbance is in <br />excess of 20 feet from the natural channel as per the design criteria. Evidence suggests <br />ponding of water may occur in the center of the small disturbance, although no water was <br />present at the time of the inspection. No erosion or damage or any kind was observed. <br />4