2015-02-27_INSPECTION - M2002053

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PERMIT #: M- 2002 -053 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ERR INSPECTION DATE: September 15, 2014 OBSERVATIONS The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) conducted an inspection of the Kurtzer Pit (Permit File No. M- 2002 -053), a Construction Material Limited Impact 110c Operation Reclamation Permit with 9.9 permitted acres and an approved post - mining land use of Pastureland. The mine is located approximately 7 miles south - southeast of Haxtun, Colorado. Elliott Russell, with the Division, inspected the site while John Kurtzer accompanied it. This inspection was carried out as a part of the Division's normal monitoring program. At 11:00, the Division met Mr. Kurtzer at the mine site entrance located three tenths of a mile south of CR 16, on CR 9. At the time of the inspection the temperature was warm, the weather was partly cloudy, and the ground was damp. The mine site identification sign was observed at the entrance to the site, and although it was faded, was in compliance with Rule 3.1.12(1); this sign will most likely need to be refreshed before the next inspection. The permit boundary was delineated with metal fence posts. There was no equipment on site at the time of the inspection. The site is located along the southern bank of the ephemeral channel known as Sandy Creek; at the time of the inspection this creek was not flowing, but the site did contain some standing water from recent rain events. The site contained three distinct areas: western, central, and eastern. On the far western portion of the permit was barren and consisted of a small highwall that was approximately 5 -8 feet high and 200 feet long. The approved reclamation plan states that slopes within the site will be maintained at 311:1 V or flatter for final reclamation. This area will need to be re- sloped to 311:1 V or flatter, have the topsoil replaced, and adequately vegetated with the approved reclamation seed mixture. The Division believes the small remaining stockpile located on the southern edge of the site is topsoil that has yet to be replaced in this area. The central portion of the site had been sloped and re- seeded. The vegetation in this central area was adequate in some places and barren in others. All slopes were appropriate to the reclamation standards of the reclamation plan. The far eastern portion of the site consisted of two small excavated areas from a large stockpile. Mr. Kurtzer (the operator and landowner) stated that this recent mining activity was for fill material of a foundation on his farm. It was then discussed the Mr. Kurtzer had no more plans to mine and sell material from his pit, but there could be future situations where he may need more fill material for various projects on his farm. In order to allow this large stockpile and the small digging areas not to be reclaimed for final release of the site, the Operator will need to submit a Technical Revision (TR) to revise the approved reclamation plan for the site. Within this TR, the Division will require an updated reclamation plan narrative requesting this small designated area to remain after reclamation is complete, an updated reclamation plan map which shows this areas, a signed affidavit from the landowner stating that the material in this area will not be sold or introduced into the construction materials market, and the appropriate TR fee. The reclamation cost estimate was last calculated in 2002 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 $9,400.00 is adequate for the limited amount of reclamation activities needed at the site in its current condition. Inspection Contact Address John R. Kurtzer 24463 CR 11 Haxtun, CO 80731 CC: Tom Kaldenbach; DRMS Page 2 of 5