Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M- 1984 -036 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: PSH <br />INSPECTION DATE: February 5, 2015 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The Varra Resources Project 110 (formerly Dakolios Pit No. 1) was inspected by Peter Hays with the Colorado <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. <br />The site was previously inspected by the Division on May 20, 2011. Mr. Christopher Varra, Garrett Varra, Brad <br />Jones and Brad Janes were present during the inspection. <br />The Varra Resources Project 110 is located north of the Town of Firestone and southeast of the intersection of <br />Weld County Road 13 and St. Wain Creek in Weld County, Colorado. The mine permit sign was posted at the <br />entrance gate and the permit boundary were well defined. <br />The site is divided into three main areas. Areas 1 and 2 are located in the northwest section of the site. Area <br />1 contains the site office and the main entrance. Area 2 contains a reservoir created by the installation of a <br />slurry wall. The slurry wall has been approved by the SEO. The 2013 flood damaged the northwest portion of <br />Area 2 between the St. Wain Creek and the reservoir shoreline. The Operator stated the slurry wall was not <br />damaged during the flood. The flood damage has been repaired by the Operator and will be reseeded soon to <br />reestablish vegetation in the affected areas. The shoreline vegetation consisted of kochia and annual weeds. <br />The presence of native grasses was difficult to determine due to the time of year and snow coverage. Trees <br />have been planted by the Operator along the western edge of the area. <br />Area 3 in located in the northeast section of the site and contains the recycling operation, product stockpiles <br />and seep ditch. All previously exposed groundwater has been backfilled in the area. The post mining land use <br />for this area was changed to general agriculture in 2011 under AM -02. The Operator intends to continue <br />general agricultural activities and concrete and asphalt recycling operations in the area after the site is <br />released from the reclamation permit. The Operator stated they may add the northeast portion of Area 4 (4d) <br />into Area 3 for more space to conduct the general agriculture and recycling operations. The additional area <br />would not be revegetated and would have a gavel base. The Operator would need to submit a technical <br />revision to add this area into Area 3 prior to consideration of any future release requests for the site. <br />Area 4 is located in the southeast portion of the site and contains a 24.6 acre reservoir. The reservoir is sealed <br />with an approved slurry wall by the SEO. The shoreline vegetation consisted of kochia and annual weeds. The <br />presence of native grasses was difficult to determine due to the time of year and snow coverage. Trees have <br />been planted by the Operator along the southern edge and in the southwest corner of the area. New <br />dewatering facilities were observed in the southeastern corner of the area. <br />The Division currently holds a financial warranty in the amount of $87,200.00. The Operator stated they may <br />submit a surety reduction request in the future to reduce the financial warranty to site maintenance and <br />reseeding costs. The reduction request appears appropriate based on the inspection observations. <br />Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Christopher Varra <br />Varra Companies Inc <br />8120 Gage Street <br />Frederick, CO 80516 <br />Cc: Tom Kaldenbach, DRMS <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />