Laserfiche WebLink
July 18,2011 C-1994-082/Yoast Mine SLB <br /> spraying was noted in the Neck pit and Pond 012A drainage areas. <br /> Canada thistle,Musk thistle,Dalmation toadflax,Whitetop,and Hound's tongue are all List B species, <br /> and Cheatgrass is a List C on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. These weeds need to continue to be <br /> managed in accordance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act,and in cooperation with the Routt County <br /> Weed Department. Weed concentrations like those observed during this inspection would preclude <br /> eligibility for Phase III bond release. <br /> Erosional Features: Very few erosional features were observed in the North Pit area,the exception being <br /> in the immediate vicinity of Pond 011A,postmining drainages YPM-9 (photo)and YPM-13. The area of <br /> erosion in YPM-9 is in the bond release request area; the YPM-13 area is not. Knickpoints and fabric <br /> separation were observed in the YPM-19 channel;this should be monitored and repaired as necessary. <br /> In the South area,erosional features were observed as follows: <br /> Channel YPM-3-2 was sidecutting approximately 12". This was not identified in the 2011 Rill and Gully <br /> survey, so it should be added to the list of areas in need of repair. <br /> There were two gullies on either side of the TRM channel between YPM-14 and Pond 014,approximately <br /> 7"deep. These gullies were also not identified in the 2011 survey. They should be monitored and <br /> repaired if they continue to erode. <br /> YPM-5-1 and YPM-6-2 were downcutting and most of the Mirafi and TRM had been displaced. There <br /> were several gullies, as deep as 12", flowing into the drainages(photo). <br /> Condition of Sediment Ponds: All ponds were stable and vegetated(photo). Discharge structures were in <br /> good condition. Discharges from Ponds 010,011,012,and 014 were clear. Pond 013 was not <br /> discharging at the time of the inspection. <br /> Construction and Performance of Permanent Impoundments: Pond 010 is the only pond approved for <br /> permanent retention. As noted above,the pond is in good condition and performing as designed. <br /> Some of the areas on which SCC requested Phase H bond release include areas of recent instability(Pond <br /> 013 slide area,Neck Pit slide area)and will not be eligible for bond release at this time. A full discussion <br /> and maps of those excluded areas will be included in the Division's Proposed Decision and Findings for <br /> SL-3 which will be written at the time of the Division's proposed decision on the application. <br /> Comments from landowners and their representatives: <br /> Filimon and Mabel Salazar own property on the east side of RCR 37,across from Ponds 013 and 014. <br /> During the pre-inspection meeting they expressed a concern with the weed infestation on the mine area. <br /> Larry Kunckle,representing John Patrick who owns property in the southeast area of the South pit,also <br /> expressed concern with the weeds in that area. He also commented that the alfalfa cover was desirable <br /> and that reclamation in general was satisfactory. <br /> Mark Stewart,representing Xcel Energy, expressed mild concern with the weeds but commented <br /> favorably on the diversity of the vegetation. He was concerned with the erosion of the YPM-13 and <br /> YPM-9 drainage channels. The channels are not included in the bond release area,and will be repaired as <br /> part of the normal Rill and Gully plan approved in the permit application package. <br /> Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 <br /> Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br /> Page 5 of 19 <br />