2014-12-23_INSPECTION - M2010043

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PERMIT#:M-2010-043 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ERR INSPECTION DATE:November 3,2014 OBSERVATIONS The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety(Division) conducted an inspection of the Falk/Ritchey's Redi Mix &Precast Inc Pit#1, Permit File No. M-2010-043. The mine is located approximately 11 miles south- southeast of Haxtun, Colorado. Elliott Russell, of the Division, inspected the site while Darrel Ritchey accompanied it. The site is an active 110c operation with 9.9 permitted acres and the approved post-mining land use is wildlife habitat. This inspection was carried out as a part of the Division's normal monitoring program. At 11:20, the Division met Mr. Ritchey at the mine site entrance located 1 mile north of CR 6, on CR 11. At the time of the inspection it was cold, the weather was overcast and raining, and the ground was wet. The mine site identification sign was observed at the site entrance, and was in compliance with Rule 3.1.12(1). The permit boundary markers could not be located during the inspection; this will be cited as a problem requiring corrective action (please refer to page 1 of this report for more information). It was discussed with Mr. Ritchey that the northern boundary markers may need to be off-set from their exact location due to the proximity of agricultural fields. If this option is chosen, a simple map showing the corners and their offsets should be submitted. The site is located on the inside of a small meander along Patent Creek, an ephemeral channel, which was not flowing at the time of the inspection. Though no equipment was on-site, there was evidence of recent mining activity. The site consisted of two distinct pits; a smaller pit, approximately 1 acre in size, in the southeast corner and a slightly larger pit a little farther to the west. The most recent activity was occurring to the east in the smaller pit. Mr. Ritchey stated the plan was to advance the mining to the north the smaller pit area, before moving back to the larger pit and advancing the mine farther to the west. The eastern pit is approximately 5 feet deep while the western pit is approximately 8 feet deep. Topsoil has been piled in two different locations; one between the pit and the creek channel and the other in the central region of the two pits. These topsoil piles were vegetated and stable. The reclamation cost estimate was last calculated in 2010 when the permit was applied for. In accordance with Rule 4.2.1(2), the Division has reviewed the estimated cost to reclaim the site and found that the current bond of$23,150.00 is an inadequate amount. The Division calculated the cost to reclaim the proposed affected disturbance of 9.9 acres to be$30,800.00. Attached for the Operator review, is a copy of the reclamation cost summary. Within 15 days of this report, the Division will issue a Surety Increase (SI) revision; please contact the Division prior to January 7, 2015 to discuss any questions regarding the cost estimate. When the SI is issued, the Operator will then have 60 days to submit the additional bonding of$7,650.00. During the inspection, the Operator was reminded that the most recent Annual Report and Map had yet to be submitted (the Division did receive the Annual Fee of September 22, 2014). Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. Page 2 of 5