2014-03-18_INSPECTION - M1991136

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PERMIT #: M- 1991 -136 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: THM INSPECTION DATE: March 12, 2014 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The River Road Pit is located 3 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado off of River Road. The site is a 112c operation that has been completely mined. The approved post mine land use is industrial / commercial. Jason Burkey of United accompanied the inspector during the inspection. The mine identification sign and the affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with rule 3.1.12. The sign is located on a post at the main entrance on the north side of the gravel mine. The permit boundaries are comprised of fence posts with signs that are easily identifiable around the entire perimeter of the mine. A buffer zone of 40 to 60 feet was observed in most areas between the excavation areas and the boundary. The pit is currently mined out but is active as a concrete plant, asphalt plant, heavy equipment storage and construction material stockpiling. Various pieces of heavy equipment were observed at the north end of the permit area. Stockpiles of various construction materials were observed on the pit floor south of the concrete plant in the middle of permit area. Most of the slopes within the permit area had been reclaimed to slopes that appeared to be no steeper than 3H:1V. No evidence of major storm water erosion was observed during the inspection. Various weeds were observed within the permit boundaries. Tamarisk was observed within the permit area; Tamarisk is listed as a noxious weed and will hinder the ability of native plant species to get established which may delay the release of the River Road Pit. Per Rule 3.1.10 (6), Methods of weed control shall be employed for all prohibited noxious weed species, and whenever invasion of a reclaimed area by other weed species seriously threatens the continued development of the desired vegetation. This is not seen as a problem due to an active weed management plan. However, this is noted as a tool to monitor progress during future inspections. The presence of noxious weeds will likely delay reclamation success and therefore need to be controlled and removed prior to an acreage release request. AM -02 approved in 2001 changed the post mine land use to industrial /commercial. Conditions observed during the inspection appeared to be at or near the reclamation requirements of the revised reclamation plan. The pit slopes observed along the southern portion of the pit appeared to be adequately vegetated. The slopes located along the northern portion of the pit were almost completely void of vegetation. AM -02 revised the reclamation plan to allow for the site to be reclaimed as an industrial commercial site, however, the amendment committed to adequately vegetate the slopes around the pit. The site cannot be eligible for a complete release until adequate vegetation is established. The operator may also implement an alternative stabilization method through the technical revision process. The alternatives may include concrete reinforced terrace, placement of rip -rap etc. The operator may submit a partial acreage release request following the requirements of Rule 4.17 for the areas that are adequately stabilized and revegetated and reduce the permit to only the northern slope of the pit that lack adequate vegetation. Photos that show the conditions observed during the inspection are included at the end of this report. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Travis Marshall at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970- 623 -5596. Page 2 of 4