Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#:M-2013-018 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: PSH <br /> INSPECTION DATE:May 21,2014 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> The Harms Pit was inspected by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br /> (Division/DRMS) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. Mr. Lonny Graves with Pine Bluffs <br /> Gravel & Excavating, Inc. (Pine Bluffs) was present during the inspection. <br /> The 110c permit for the site was issued by the Division on June 26, 2013. The Harms Pit is approved for 9.98 <br /> acres. This was the first inspection of the site by the Division. The Division holds a reclamation bond in the <br /> amount of$117,000, which appeared adequate to perform the approved reclamation plan at the site. The site <br /> is approved for intermittent status. The mine identification sign and boundary markers were observed as <br /> required by Rule 3.1.12(1). <br /> Based on the inspection observations, the Division believes a possible violation has occurred at the Harms <br /> Pit. The Division will schedule this matter for a hearing before the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation <br /> Board. A notice of possible violation and information regarding the Board hearing will be sent under <br /> separate cover. <br /> The approved mining plan states the existing road to be used during the mining process is already established, <br /> Weld County Roads 124 and 127, and there will be no new construction of roads. The access road from the <br /> mine site to the intersection of Weld County Road 124 and 127 already exists and will not require any <br /> improvements to accommodate the mine related traffic. There will be no new roads or improvements on any <br /> of the roads involved. <br /> While preparing for the inspection, a review of the Google Earth satellite image of the area indicated a new <br /> road from WCR 127 to the west boundary of the mine site. A copy of the Google Earth image is attached. The <br /> permit boundary and new access road were GPS surveyed by the Division during the inspection using a <br /> Trimble Juno 3B. A map of the GPS survey results is attached. The survey indicated a permit boundary of 10.0 <br /> acres and an access road length of 3,225 feet. The survey permit boundary acreage is greater than the <br /> approved 9.98 acres, but is within the accuracy range of the Trimble unit. The new access road was measured <br /> during the inspection to be 50 feet wide. The new access road was calculated at 3.7 acres by the Division. <br /> Mr. Graves stated the road was built by Pine Bluffs for the landowner for agricultural purposes. The land <br /> between WCR 127 and the Harms Pit was used for agriculture at the time of the inspection. Mr. Graves stated <br /> during the inspection the landowner obtained a road permit from Weld County. Mr. Graves emailed the <br /> Division a copy of the Weld County Access Permit on May 22, 2014. The permit states the road is 2640 feet <br /> long starting at WCR 127 and the proposed use is Field (Agricultural Only). A sign for the Harms Pit was <br /> located at the intersection of WCR 127 and the new access road. <br /> Land has been affected outside of the approved permit boundary. This is a possible violation at this time <br /> pursuant to C.R.S. 34-32.5-109(1)for failure to first obtain from the Board or Office a reclamation permit <br /> prior to engaging in a new operation. <br /> This possible violation will require a hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board (MLRB).The <br /> schedule and other details for the MLRB hearing will be provided under a separate document to be sent via <br /> certified mail to the Operator. <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />