2011-07-01_INSPECTION - C1980001

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Colorado noxious weed List B species are still present in small quantities in the upper and middle Moffat area (eastern and central portions of the bond release block). Patches of whitetop have been sprayed this month, scattered thistle and houndstongue will be sprayed soon. Whitetop is slow to take up herbicide but is beginning to lose its color. Landowners are concerned about weed presence; however, DRMS does not have the authority to require complete eradication. So long as weeds represent no more than 3% of the vegetative cover, bond may be released and DRMS jurisdiction may be terminated. Landowners would then be responsible for managing their own property, including weed control. Visual evaluation of the upper and middle Moffat area supports the vegetation survey indicating that weed species represent less than 3% relative cover and are not concentrated into small area infestations. The lower Moffat / Moffat Pond area continues to exhibit slightly higher weed concentrations than the upper Moffat. Perennial pepperweed and houndstongue are still present and must be sprayed this year. Thistle does not appear to be a problem here. Milestone herbicide was sprayed in this area in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010. This is the northwest corner of the Moffat bond release area. Mr. Keogh (Habitat Management) was present and understands where further herbicide application is necessary. Visual evaluation of West Ridge revealed an infestation of whitetop on the central western portion of the bond release area between terraces T9 and T10. This area has not been sprayed this year, but was sprayed with Escort and Tordon in 2010 Small patches of whitetop are present in the central portions of West Ridge in addition to the small ( -.2 ac) infestation. Mr. Keogh was present and understands where further herbicide application is necessary. Houndstongue is scattered in low concentrations, thistle was also present in very low concentrations. Whitetop in the West Ridge area must be addressed before bond may be released. The West Ridge Pond area looks great. Spoil springs and snow melt contribute water to the pond, which is discharging. Weeds were not observed to be a problem at all in this area. A few small patches of whitetop were observed around the Center Ridge These should be sprayed this spring. It is apparent Chevron Mining, Inc. is implementing its weed management plan. However, several areas were identified as needing additional herbicide application in addition to those areas already planned to be sprayed later this year. Mr. Keogh will send the application record to Ms Binns to document Chevron's compliance with its weed management plan. Ms. Binns will continue monthly inspections of the site until jurisdiction is terminated; however, this may be the last bond release inspection OSM attends. DRMS has the primary responsibility for ensuring SMCRA compliance including bonding and bond release. OSM's role in bond release actions is primarily to ensure reclamation is consistent with the approved mining plan for non -SMCRA issues. These include lease stipulations and other interested Federal agency requirements. OSM will consult with involved Federal agencies to ensure non - SMCRA issues are addressed before we concur in any decision to release this performance bond. Landowners expressed concerns about road maintenance within the permit area. A segment of North Road just south of the fork with Lower Moffat Road is rilling. The diversion ditch has not been breached. It appears as though an ice dam may have blocked the diversion and caused 2