2014-09-12_INSPECTION - M1989095

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PERMIT #: M -1989 -095 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ERR INSPECTION DATE: August 19, 2014 OBSERVATIONS The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) conducted a conversion application's pre- operational inspection of the Schneller Clay Pit, Permit File No. M -1989 -095. The mine is located approximately 9 miles southeast of Holyoke, Colorado. Elliott Russell, of the Division, inspected the site while Randy Schafer, with Phillips County, accompanied it. The 110c to 112c construction materials permit conversion application was received by the Division on July 23, 2014. The application was deemed complete on July 29, 2014. The decision due date is October 27, 2014. The conversion application will increase the permitted area from 9.9 acres to 19.8 acres. The purpose of this conversion is to include areas that were disturbed outside of the original 1 l Oc permit boundary as well as additional undisturbed land for future mining. The proposed plan was to mine the new areas, but during the inspection, Mr. Schafer stated that mining was not likely to occur after the conversion is approved; that the Applicant only intends to reclaim the site. The proposed post mining land use for the conversion area is pastureland, the same as its current use. At 12:15, the Division and Mr. Schafer arrived at the mine site on the southeast side of the intersection of CR 49 and CR 8. At the time of the inspection it was hot, the weather was clear, and the ground was dry. The posted notice was not observed during the inspection as required by Rule 1.6.2(b). This will be cited as a problem and will need corrective action; please see page 1 of this report for more information. The 110c mine site identification sign was observed at the entrance and was in compliance with Rule 3.1.12(1). All of the boundary markers for the new permit were not installed, only the northwest corner, as a fence corner, was in place. This will also be cited as a problem. The l l Oc mine site was not active at the time of the inspection and no equipment was on site. During the inspection, the Division observed several structures that were not included in the conversion amendment under Exhibit S. These included a private buildings and fences located just north of the proposed permit. In addition, a utility line which crosses the affected land will need a structure agreement too. The lack of these structures being mentioned in the application with associated signed structure agreements will be mentioned in the subsequent adequacy review letter. Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. Inspection Contact Address Randy Schafer Phillips County 221 S. Interocean Ave. Holyoke, CO 80734 CC: Tom Kaldenbach; DRMS Page 2 of 5