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PERMIT#: M-1981-250 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ERR <br /> INSPECTION DATE:July 9,2014 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> The inspection was conducted by Elliott Russell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety(Division). <br /> Kent Twiss, the Fleet Foreman for Yuma County, was present for the inspection. The Brand Pit is located <br /> approximately 7 miles east of Wray, Colorado. The site is an active 112c operation with 242 acres permitted <br /> and the post-mining land use is rangeland. This inspection was carried out as a part of the Division's routine <br /> monitoring inspection program. <br /> At 11:15, the Division and Mr. Twiss arrived at the mine site entrance along County Road M. At the time of the <br /> inspection it was clear and hot, and the ground was dry. The permit identification sign was posted at the <br /> entrance to the site and met the requirements of Rule 3.1.12(1). The permit boundary of the mine was delineated <br /> by red painted t-posts. During the inspection, the boundary corners#7 and#11 could not be located (please see <br /> the attached map showing how the Division has numbered the corners for this report's reference). This will be <br /> cited as a problem and requires corrective action; please see page 1 of this report for more information. There <br /> was active mining and hauling activities occurring at the time of the inspection; A D7R bulldozer, 988H front- <br /> end loader, and four 20 yard belly dump haul trucks were present on site. <br /> The site consisted of a large central pit located along the southern portion of the permitted site. There were two <br /> distinct areas within the pit: the older/inactive area on the western half and the newer/active area on the eastern <br /> half. The site appeared to have generally progressed to the east,but the current mining activities were occurring <br /> in the northwest corner of the active area. Topsoil had been piled along the southern edge of the pit; this pile <br /> appeared to be stable due to adequate vegetation cover. The inactive area had been naturally revegetated and <br /> trees had been established. This area also contained two remaining large stockpiles of material. <br /> During the inspection, the Division observed a musk thistle(Carduus nutans) infestation on the mine site. This <br /> species is a state listed noxious weed and will need to be treated as per Rule 3.1.10(6). This will be cited as a <br /> problem in the inspection report, and will require corrective action. Please contact your local extension office if <br /> you need advise on the management and control of musk thistle. <br /> The Operator stated that the pit would be expanded to the north. Topsoil and overburden were currently being <br /> striped along the northwest corner of the active area. An abandoned gas line within the permit boundary, which <br /> runs east-west,just north of the current pit had recently been exposed and cut by the gas company. <br /> During the inspection, the Division became aware of newly built structures that were less than 200 feet from the <br /> approved permit boundary. As per Rule 6.4.19, structure agreements are required for any man-made structure <br /> located within 200 feet of the affected land. The structures observed were a fence line and a house near the <br /> permit line between boundary corners#10 and#11. This will be cited as a problem and will require corrective <br /> action; please see page 1 of this report for more information. It was discussed with the Operator that the <br /> Division would need a simple structure agreement between the County and the owner of the structures (please <br /> see the attached Rules and sample structure agreement from the I I2c permit application form). The other option <br /> is for the Operator to request an Acreage Reduction to adjust the permit boundary back farther than 200 feet <br /> from these structures. <br /> Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. <br /> Page 3 of 7 <br />