Laserfiche WebLink
OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: M -1977 -227 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: RCO <br />INSPECTION DATE: July 28, 2011 <br />This was a surety reduction - related inspection to verify the reclamation performed by the operator under the <br />recently- approved technical revision (TR -2). Reclamation carried out largely consisted of earthwork to <br />partially backfill the pit, replace topsoil on portions of the site, and to reseed the affected areas. The <br />operator's consultant, Ingrid Bamberg of Bamberg Ecological, who was in charge of the revegetation effort, <br />was present throughout the inspection. <br />Backfilling and Grading: <br />A large amount of product and waste material was pushed into the pit, and some rough areas around the site <br />were graded smoother. There is still a large amount of stockpiled material (crushed black rock) on the east <br />side of the site, which was not yet reclaimed. <br />Financial Warranty: <br />The Division approved a bond reduction under SR -1, based on revisions to the reclamation plan and for <br />reclamation activities performed. The new bond amount ($67,462) is appropriate and sufficient to reclaim the <br />site. The Division is currently processing the release of a portion of the existing bond. <br />Fish and Wildlife: <br />A great horned owl was observed roosting down in the pit. The owl has been observed here in the past. <br />There are numerous locations throughout the site that exhibit evidence of the owl's long -term occupation of <br />the site. <br />Roads: <br />The dirt access road entering the site from the south is a permanent feature. <br />Reclamation Success: <br />The surface material across the site is generally coarse, well- drained scoria. The recent earthwork, consisting <br />of pushing material into the pit and smooth grading former stockpile and staging areas, appears to be stable. <br />Wind erosion and water erosion are not significant issues at this site due to coarse texture and permeability of <br />the scoria material. Pit slopes as steep as 2:1 do not appear to be erodible. <br />Revegetation: <br />Many acres at the margins of the permitted area, which have not been disturbed in many years have <br />revegetated themselves, mainly with widely- spaced rabbitbrush and blue grama. The central portion of the <br />site was seeded in 2009, with a seed mix approved under TR -2. Germination of that seeding across the site <br />has been irregular and fairly sparse, but there are new seedlings scattered nearly everywhere in the affected <br />area (except in the western portion where consolidated igneous material crops out on the surface and does <br />not provide a suitable growth medium). Germination and growth is best on north - facing slopes or areas <br />receiving runoff water. Species observed during this inspection include: Indian ricegrass, western wheatgrass, <br />blue grama, Mentzelia spp., broom snakeweed, rabbitbrush, shadscale saltbush, and evening primrose. Many <br />plants were too small to be positively identified, and many have been grazed by cattle that apparently are <br />allowed on the site. <br />There are two noxious weeds species, Russian knapweed and Canada thistle, that occur in patches near the <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />