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PERMIT #: P-2008-044 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: RCO <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 19, 2011 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a routine inspection by the Division as part of its monitoring of Hard Rock/Metals Prospecting <br />projects, specifically for inspecting the condition of the final reclamation that was performed by the operator <br />last year. Neither the operator nor the Forest Service were present during the inspection. <br />Hydrologic Balance: <br />There is no surface water on any portions of the site, either as seepage from the portal, seepage on the county <br />road cut, or seepage in the pasture or ditch across the road. There is no water sampling required at this time. <br />Reclamation Success: <br />The portal area has been cleaned up of the operator's debris. There are two small piles of debris at the site <br />that consist of materials that were present prior to this NOI activity, and they are located at the NW end of the <br />pad area and the SE end of the pad area, beyond the edges of the operator's disturbed area. Prior to <br />completing the required reclamation, the operator should inquire to the USFS to verify if the piles of this pre- <br />existing debris must be removed by the operator or allowed to remain. (The debris in question does not <br />include the historic features directly SW of the portal, that have not been disturbed or moved by this operator, <br />and are not to be disturbed.) <br />The pad area has been graded to include a good berm to control drainage and to contain any possible breach <br />of the 2010-installed underground bulkhead. There is no evidence of seepage from the portal, and there is no <br />surface expression of settling of the backfilled materials. The infiltration gallery and risers have been removed <br />and the footprint graded smooth. <br />The upland area where drilling occurred has been cleaned up of all debris, the site completely recontoured <br />and topsoiled, and seeding was carried out. Woody slash was scattered. There were no weeds noted. <br />Revegetation plants, though present, were not abundant yet. These included a yellow-flowered forb and at <br />least two grass species. (This office would appreciate a copy of the list of species that were seeded.) <br />Revegetation: <br />Along the SE edge of the portal area disturbance is a small patch of Canada thistle, a noxious weed. This was <br />noted in the inspection report last year, and it seems that the operator did treat it then. These new plants are <br />presently young rosettes, but will send up flower stalks this season. Its continued presence is not a problem at <br />this time, but the operator must treat the patch this year, and continue diligently to monitor and treat it <br />aggressively, to prevent its spread and eventually eliminate it. It measures about 10 ft x 40 ft, extending from <br />the large boulder on the containment berm to the small debris pile on the SE. It will require multiple well- <br />timed treatments over several years. If neglected and allowed to spread, it will become a problem. <br />The seeded areas should be monitored for germination and establishment success. If needed, these areas <br />should be reseeded. <br />Subsidence: <br />All earthwork and affected surfaces are stable and do not exhibit any subsidence or settling. <br />(Cont.) <br />Page 2 of 4