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PERMIT #: M- 1977 -526 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TOD <br />INSPECTION DATE: October 6, 2014 <br />The inspection began at Worthing Pit near the abandon channel. The inspector observed standing water in a <br />trench and in an abandoned channel of the South Platte River that are both located in the Worthing Pit permit <br />boundary. The trench was excavated in order to reduce the elevation of groundwater in the area located <br />upgradient from the backfill of fines at the Worthing Pit (see figure 1). The trench drains into the abandoned <br />channel. During the inspection, water movement was barely detectable through the length of the trench and the <br />abandoned channel. The Inspector estimated that the water in the abandoned channel was 6 to 7 feet deep in <br />some areas. Flow appeared to be constricted were the haul road crosses the abandoned channel (see photo 3). <br />The Operator's representative stated that a recent survey of the area was conducted. The Operator's <br />representative explained that the water elevations were measured in the trench and abandon channel. The <br />Operator's representative explained that the water elevation on the upgradient side of the trench was <br />approximately 5,004 feet and that the water elevation in the abandoned channel was approximately 5,002 feet. <br />CONCLUSION <br />Based on observations made during the inspection and the review of groundwater monitoring data in the area, <br />DRMS believes that the backfill of fines in the Worthing Pit has contributed to upgradient groundwater <br />mounding between the Stagecoach Pit, and Pit 29. DRMS believes this is a problem for failure to minimize the <br />disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance pursuant to C.R.S. 34 32.5116(4)(h) and for failure to protect <br />areas outside of the affected land from slides or damages occurring during the mining operation pursuant to <br />C.R.S. 34- 32.5 - 116(4)(1). <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />