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September 12, 2011 X-2008-223-09/Oxbow 2008 NOI-Elk Creek Mine KAG <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Inspection Topic Summary <br />YNRVNA <br />NOTE: =Inspected =Not Inspected =Comments Noted =Violation Issued =Not Applicable <br />N - Air Resource Protection N - Roads <br />NR <br /> - Backfill & Grading - Reclamation Success <br />NN <br /> - Fish & Wildlife - Revegetation <br />NN <br /> - Hydrologic Balance - Slides and Other Damage <br />NN <br /> - Gen. Compliance With Mine Plan - Signs and Markers <br />NN <br /> - Other - Topsoil <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />COMMENTS <br /> <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS - Rule 2.02(g) and 4.21.2(2): <br /> <br />This was a bond release inspection for coal exploration activities conducted under a Notice of <br />Intent (NOI) for exploration of coal involving the removal of 250 tons or less. Jim Kiger, <br />Environmental Manager at Oxbow Coal Company, was present during the inspection. All <br />reclaimed roads and drill sites included in this Notice of Intent (NOI) are located south of the <br />mine facility area in rugged terrain on lands owned by Oxbow Coal Company, BLM, US Forest <br />Service, and private interests. A sampling of reclaimed roads and drill sites were observed by <br />pedestrian survey as well as viewed for a distance on an opportunistic basis. For specific <br />details, please refer to the NOI Final Reclamation Report. <br />Of the eleven sites drilled under this <br />NOI, all are located on BLM or <br />Oxbow owned surface. Site ECM- <br />2008-55 was traversed on foot, <br />shown at right. Vegetation at this site <br />is in the third growing season after <br />final reclamation. Although not as <br />heavily vegetated as older sites, <br />evidence suggests this site will be <br />successful given the presence and <br />abundance of seeded species. <br />Edges are blended well into the <br />surrounding area and large rocks <br />have been scattered over the surface <br />of the disturbance. <br />The BLM released liability on sites drill under Coal Exploration License COC-71108 in <br />December 2010. Nothing observed during the two day inspection would preclude the release of <br />all exploration bond for this project. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br /> <br />23 <br />Page of <br /> <br /> <br />