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July 23, 2013 C- 1981- 012/New Elk Mine LDS <br />A brief visual inspection of the slopes above from the clean water diversion ditch suggested that only <br />approximately a quarter of the slopes held any significant topsoil. Depths were variable and difficult to assess. The <br />section of the permit that deals with topsoil stripping was last updated in 1997 and estimates that 6 -12 inches of <br />topsoil will be recovered. This section is under review in TR68. <br />ROADS — Rule 4.03 <br />Construction 4.03.1(3)/4.03.2(3); Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4); Surfacing and Maintenance4.03.1(5) and <br />(6)/4.03.2(5) and (6); Reclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): <br />Roads on the mine site were generally in a good state of repair, however the road up to the water tanks <br />will need to be regraded when conditions allow. <br />REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br />Vegetation looked very healthy around the site. Weeds were not widespread. <br />Common mullein, Verbascum thapsus, a list C species, was observed at some of the less well - travelled <br />areas of the site (for example, near the river at the western end of the site, and along the upland diversion ditches). <br />Houndstongue, Cynoglossum officinale, a list B species, was observed at the second Apache Canyon <br />airshaft. The plant was uprooted during the inspection, by Mr Thompson. <br />The seasonal spraying appears to have been very effective at controlling weeds and should be <br />continued. <br />SIGNS AND MARKERS — Rule 4.02: <br />Mine ID signs are in varied states. Some of the old signs have been replaced, however the new signs do <br />not show the phone number for the Division. <br />Rule 4.02 discusses signs and markers. In particular: <br />• 4.02.1(2) Signs and markers shall be of uniform design throughout the operation that can easily <br />be seen and read <br />• 4.02.2(1) Identification signs shall be displayed at each entrance to the permit area from public <br />roads <br />(This includes, but is not limited to, the small road that access pond 8 from the highway, and the gate that gives <br />access to the topsoil SAE near to the RDA conveyor, as well as the Apache Canyon airshafts and the Jansen Load - <br />out) <br />• 4.02.2(2) Signs shall show the name address, and telephone number of the person who conducts <br />the surface coal mining operations and the identifying number of the current permit authorizing <br />mining activities <br />Rule 4.30.1 discusses temporary cessation, in particular: <br />• 4.30.1(3) -As soon as a temporary cessation extends beyond 30 days, the operator shall modem <br />the mine identification sign to include the name, address, and telephone number of the Division <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Page 11 of 29 <br />