2011-09-13_INSPECTION - C1981037

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establishment of vegetation in some places. Dr. Corley stated that no contour ditches were constructed on Chen's Hill, thereby increasing the opportunity for erosion. The group drove further up the road to view gullies that had formed on the east and northeast facing side of Chen's Hill. Dr. Corley informed us that this was originally designed as a gulch. Before forfeiting their bond, GEC had reclaimed the north part of Chen's Hill. Some vegetation has established in the gullies (see Photo 5). It should be noted that Mr. Robeda stated that he has not grazed his cows in the Chen's Hill area in two years. This area has been identified as a critical wintering habitat for elk by the Department of Wildlife (DOW). Elk tend to overgraze this area, and the DOW has installed sonic alarms to deter the elk. There is a sediment pond on the Southfield Mine permit that is adjacent to the GEC site near the southwest end of Chen's Hill. This pond serves as a water source for the elk but was dry at the time of our inspection (see Photo 6). It collects water from the Southfield portals, which have been mostly reclaimed with well - established vegetation. Dr. Corley mentioned the possibility of performing the reclamation work himself, but is hesitant to do so because he does not want to be responsible for the site in perpetuity. Dr. Corley also spoke of rerouting the sediment from Chen's Hill into the Southfield sedimentation pond. Ms. Binns indicated that there would be a lengthy process to transfer the pond to Dr. Corley, and further research was needed to determine whether a transfer is possible. Next, the group looked at the Magpie Creek Crossing (a bypass that runs under the road) (see Photo 7). There was erosion on the side of the road near a very large boulder (nearly 3' in diameter), and the boulder appeared unstable (see Photo 8). The group observed the East Pit check dams that were installed in the channel bottom by DRMS. Dr. Corley stated that some of the concrete dams that were placed pointed upwards in a "V ", while others were placed pointing in the opposite direction. Dr. Corley stated that about five years after the dams were constructed, the first dam blew out (see Photo 9). Lastly, the group observed a gully that has formed in the East Pit near the road (see Photos 10 and 11). Some reclamation was performed on the east side of the road by DRMS to protect the road from erosion (see Photo 12).