2012-04-19_REPORT - M1977004 (2)

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Pitch Reclamation Project Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board — 2011 Annual Reclamation Report 3. RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES IN 2011 During 2011, primary reclamation activities at the Pitch site focused on additional grading and seeding of the cover on the Tie Camp Creek Disposal Cell; planting of cattails in the constructed wetlands area downstream from the North Pit embankment; and grading in both the North and South pits and on the upper benches of the Tie Camp rock dump and the west side of the Indian Creek rock dump for improved site drainage and erosion control. Site activities also included the removal of pine seedlings on the downstream face of the sediment control embankment and continued spraying of Canadian Thistle and Scentless Chamomile using Curtail with Surfactant. All work was conducted in accordance with applicable conditions in the Radioactive Materials License (RML) and the Pitch Reclamation Project Procedures Manual. 3.1 Constructed Wetlands Area and Adjacent Slope Reclamation related activities in 2011 consisted of improvements to the constructed wetlands area near the site of the former Radium Treatment Plant (RTP). The RTP was demolished, backfilled and recontoured in 2001, with grading and initial revegetation in 2002. Reclamation activities included the steep embankment behind the former RTP site, where the area was graded to reduce the slope and prevent sloughing. Reclamation in the area has consisted of recontouring to facilitate improved sedimentation control and to stabilize the slope adjacent to and down gradient from the site. Activities have included construction of small dikes in the drainage to allow the creation of small sedimentation basins, followed by the placement of timber slash in the drainage to retard flow velocity, and to trap sediment forming a wetlands type condition. Since 2002, stabilization measures have included planting of 1,100 lodgepole pines, and 200 spruce trees on the contoured area and planting of 500 lodgepole pines and 200 Douglas fir seedlings on the slope opposite the constructed wetlands area. In 2006 and 2007, a significant number of mortalities were observed among trees planted during previous seasons on the slope opposite the constructed wetlands area. The dead trees were replaced with approximately 400 new lodgepole seedlings. The 2006 work included placement of several large rocks and rock material across the lower end of the constructed wetlands area to further enhance sediment control and prevent previously placed tree slash from washing to the trash racks during thunderstorm events. In 2007, transplanting of cattails was undertaken on an experimental basis. The heavy snowpack over the past three winters provided needed protection for the cattails and many survived through the past three years. In 2011, additional cattails were planted in the wetlands area from a source at a similar elevation. The success of the experiment will continue to be monitored and enhanced in 2012. 3.2 Tie Camp Creek Disposal Cell In 2001 and 2002, dismantled building material from the former RTP, concrete and contaminated soils removed from the immediate drainage, were removed and placed in a Disposal Cell near the toe of Tie Camp Creek Low -Grade Stockpile. This cell was created in mid -1990 as a clay -lined repository for materials dredged from the Sediment Control Pond. The cell, as shown on Figures 2 and 3, was left open with sufficient capacity for the RTP demolition material. The demolition material and contaminated soil placed in the cell were crushed and compacted. In 2003, the cell was shaped and prepared for the placement of a clay cap. Placement and compaction of a clay cap was completed in 2004. A final layer of topsoil (minimum 24 inches) was added and compacted on top of the clay cap during 2005. In 2007 and 2008, finish grading was conducted on the topsoil cover to eliminate any low spots where water could pond, and to enhance drainage on and around the disposal cell. Harrowing, scarifying and reseeding of Pitch 2011 Reclamation Finalreport 19Apr12.Doc 3