Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#: M-2014-042 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:TCI <br /> INSPECTION DATE: October 22,2014 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This was a pre-operation inspection performed by TC Wait and Mr. Tim Cazier with the Division of <br /> Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of its review of a new 110(1) limited impact mine <br /> reclamation permit application. Mr. Russell Painter (representing the Operator) and Ms. Amy Titterington <br /> (USFS) were also present for the inspection. The Amazonite VIII site is located approximately 4.5 miles <br /> northeast of Lake George, CO, in Teller County. The site was accessed from FS Road 756. <br /> Inspection: <br /> The required posted notice was displayed (see Photo 1). Previous site activities originated pre-law (-1950s), <br /> involved primarily prospecting, but with limited disturbance. The Operator plans on expanding the operation <br /> and bringing in mechanized equipment,thus the need for the mine reclamation permit. <br /> The current primary excavation is about 70 feet long and 20 feet wide, including spoil (see Photos 2 and 3). An <br /> additional small hand dug pit (about 10 feet in diameter) is located about 150 feet to the northwest of the main <br /> excavation (see Photo 4). Mr. Painter believes the excavations will be no more than 9 to 12 feet deep, but will <br /> contact the Division should they go deeper than 15 feet. Mr. Painter plans to save topsoil and stockpile it for <br /> final reclamation. <br /> The permit area is for 5 acres. The Division understands that the intent is to disturb no more than 1.25 acres and <br /> that the existing pit is the primary location for future mining activity. In addition, Mr. Painter intends to add <br /> about 100 feet of road that will cross what appears to be a perennial stream. He intends to use currently downed <br /> trees and a culvert to build the stream crossing for proposed equipment access. <br /> File Review Notes: <br /> • The Division has not yet received a copy of the USFS approved Plan of Operations (POO), required to <br /> demonstrate the basis for legal right of entry to the site and to conduct mining and reclamation. Ms. <br /> Titterington indicated the USFS would not be able to sign off on Mr. Painter's Poo until late December <br /> 2014. The Division recommended Mr. Painter request an extension to the decision date to mid-January, <br /> 2015 to be sure adequate time is available to send the Poo to the Division. . <br /> • The end of the public comment period was 10/10/2014. No public comments were received by the <br /> Division. <br /> • The Division received agency comments from Division of Water Resources (DWR), the State Historical <br /> Preservation Office (SHPO) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Comments from DWR and <br /> SHPO were provided to the Operator with the Preliminary Adequacy Review. CPW's comments are <br /> attached to this report. <br /> Bond Calculation: <br /> Detailed bond calculation worksheets were mailed to the Operator on September 11, 2014 with the Preliminary <br /> adequacy review. The Division estimated a bond of$3,300. Ms Titterington informed the Division that the <br /> USFS holds a$1,257 bond for the site. As such the Division will need an additional $2,043 for an adequate <br /> bond. The additional bond is not required until the Division approves the permit application. <br /> Recommendations: <br /> 1. The Division recommends the mine reclamation application be approved, once an approved USFS Plan <br /> of Operations is received by the Division. Notification will be sent under separate cover. <br /> 2. The Bond held by the USFS appears insufficient for reclamation. The Division will require an <br /> additional $2,043 for an adequate bond. <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />