Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M- 1981 -287 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: PSH <br />INSPECTION DATE: September 13, 2013 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The Arnusch Gravel Pit 3 was inspected by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />(Division) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. The site was previously inspected by the <br />Division on July 13, 2009. Mr. Nikolaus Arnusch was present during the inspection. <br />The site is permitted for 9.8 acres and is divided into two sites; an 8.1 acres north pit and a 1.7 acre south pit. <br />The north pit was not inspected and based on aerial photograph is used for agriculture purposes and has not <br />been mined. Both pits are located in the creek bed of Lost Creek. Lost Creek is an ephemeral stream which <br />was flowing due to the recent flooding in Colorado. The south pit was observed during this inspection. <br />Boundary markers and a mine sign were not observed during the inspection, but based on the Operators <br />description of the boundary, the site was almost entirely flooded at the time of the inspection. <br />The pit has not been mined in approximately 20 years based on the Division's records. Active mining operations <br />require the development or extraction of a construction material from its natural occurrences, which may <br />include; open mining, surface operations, transportation operations, processing operations such as crushing <br />and sorting, as well as stockpile removal. Please note regular onsite maintenance activities such as weed <br />control, site maintenance, and storm water control maintenance do not constitute mining activities. <br />A letter titled "Review of Current Permit Status Regarding Temporary Cessation" was sent on February 28, <br />2013 to the Operator explaining intermittent operation status and Temporary Cessation of mining operations. <br />A copy of the letter is attached. Based on the file review for the site, the Operator must submit a request for <br />Temporary Cessation status if he intends to retain the mining permit. The Division recommends the Operator <br />request a full performance and financial warranty release request due to the observed site flooding. <br />The Division holds a financial warranty in the amount of $5,000.00, which appeared adequate to complete <br />reclamation at the site. Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Mr. Nikolaus Arnusch <br />34527 WCR 6 <br />Keenesburg, CO 80643 <br />Enclosure: Review of Current Permit Status Regarding Temporary Cessation letter <br />Cc: Tom Kaldenbach, DRMS <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />