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July 18, 2011 <br />spraying was noted in the Neck pit and Pond 012A drainage areas. <br />C- 1994- 082/Yoast Mine SLB <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-1 3 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 II 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 />