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PERMIT#: M-2004-026 <br /> �-7 <br /> �1�1 l _ Y INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: AME <br /> 6 [ INSPECTION DATE: April 25,2014 <br /> 171 OBSERVATIONS f <br /> This was a normal monitoring inspection of the Leone Gravel Pit conducted by Amy Eschberger and Tyler <br /> O'Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). Frank Leone and Wayne Leone of <br /> Leone Sand and Gravel, LLC were present for the inspection. This site is located approximately 4 miles <br /> northeast of Trinidad, Colorado in Las Animas County on land owned by Frank and Sophie Leone. The site is <br /> accessed via an existing ranch road that runs approximately 11/2 mile south from Highway 350/160 to a gated <br /> entrance. <br /> This is a 112c operation permitted for 56.00 acres. A pre-existing reclaimed gravel pit (terminated permit M- <br /> 1979-217, Latuda Gravel Pit) is located in the southeastern portion of the site. Part of this reclaimed pit <br /> comprises the upper(relatively flat) level of the permitted site, where a few small mined material and rock <br /> stockpiles (Photos 1 and 2), stored equipment and trucks (Photos 2 and 3) are present. This upper lev a is <br /> approximately 6 acres in size. The rest of the site is at a lower level, approximately 50 acres in size. Two 3 <br /> pipelines owned by Colorado Interstate Gasline (CIG)run southwest-northeast across the center of e permit <br /> area(Photo 4). The Operator appears to be maintaining the proper setbacks from the lines. The site was mined <br /> in four phases, with Phases 1 and 2 south of the gas lines, and Phases 3 and 4 north of the gas lines. A gully <br /> with an intermittent stream runs southeast-northwest across the middle of the site (Photo 5), with Phases 1 and 4 <br /> to the east, and Phases 2 and 3 to the west. <br /> At the time of inspection, it was clear and cool, and the ground was dry. No mining activity was occurring <br /> during inspection. According to the Operator, the only activity to occur at the site in the past year was hauling <br /> off material from stockpiles. The Operator submitted a Full Release request for the site on December 27, 2010, <br /> and a Financial Warranty Release request on February 22, 2011. These requests were denied on March 3, 2011 <br /> after the Division conducted an inspection of the site. The inspection report from February 22, 2011 noted that <br /> all slopes had been graded to 3H:1 V or less, and most earthwork had been completed, but that very little <br /> vegetation had established throughout the site, except for on the northwestern portion(Phase 3) west of the <br /> gully, where native grasses appeared to be well-established. Furthermore, stockpiles and equipment were still <br /> being stored on the upper level. <br /> During the most recent inspection, the entire area north of the gas lines (approximately 28 acres in size), <br /> comprised of Phases 3 and 4, had well-established vegetation, and appeared to have been successfully reclaimed <br /> in accordance with the post-mining land use of rangeland (Photos 5-7). The Division recommends that the <br /> Operator submit an Acreage Reduction (Partial Release) request(see enclosed form) for this portion of the <br /> permit area located north of the gas lines. The portion of the permit area that runs south of the gas lines down to <br /> the base of the hill that rises to the upper level (approximately 22 acres in size) had some bare patches in <br /> vegetative cover(Photos 8 and 9)that will require reseeding before it can be released from the permit. <br /> However, as discussed with the Operator during inspection, pursuant to Rule 4.14.1,the Operator may submit a <br /> Surety Reduction request by letter to ask that the bond be reduced to account for reseeding only of this portion <br /> of the permit area. <br /> During inspection,the permit sign was posted at the gated entrance (Photo 10), and the boundary markers were <br /> in place. However, after comparing recent aerial images of the site with the approved permit boundary,the <br /> Division has found the eastern marked boundary, especially near the old reclaimed mine area,to be outside of <br /> the approved permit boundary. This will be cited as a Possible Problem and will require the Operator to re- <br /> survey the eastern boundary of the permit area south of the gas lines, and submit a Technical Revision(see <br /> enclosed form) including an updated Reclamation Plan Map for the site. The permit boundary shall be clearly <br /> delineated pursuant to Rule 3.1.12(2). <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />