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PERMIT #: M-1989-120 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TOD <br />INSPECTION DATE: June 17, 2015 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted by Tony Waldron and Tyler O'Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining <br />and Safety (Division). Aggregate Industries - WCR, Inc., the Operator, was represented by Connie Davis, during <br />the inspection. On June 17, 2015, the Division received a phone call from Dan Rittenhouse. Mr. Rittenhouse is <br />an adjacent landowner, his property is located downgradient from the Platte Valley Operation. Mr. Rittenhouse <br />explained that the South Platte River had breached an embankment between the River and Cell No. 3 of the Platte <br />Valley Operation. Mr. Rittenhouse explained that a portion of the River was flowing through Cell 3 and draining <br />into the Gilheany Ditch. Mr. Rittenhouse explained that as a result of the River flowing through the Platte Valley <br />Operation, portions of his property have been inundated with water. Mr. Rittenhouse also explained that portions <br />of his property and pasture had been eroded as a result of the breach and the increased flows in the Ditch. <br />This inspection was conducted to observe and evaluate the site conditions described by Mr. Rittenhouse. During <br />the inspection, the Division observed a breach between the River and Cell 3 (photo 1). The breach was observed <br />from two main areas, just west of the main mine office and from portions of the eastern bank of the ditch. The <br />breach occurred along the western slope of Cell 3 just north of the power line right-of-way (the earthen <br />embankment between Cells 1 and 3). The Division estimated the flow through the breach to be <br />approximately 1/3 of the current flow of the River (estimated to be approximately 1,000 to 3,000 CFS). The <br />water from the River was flowing through the breach into Cell 3 and draining into the Ditch. At the time of <br />the inspection the water was overtopping the eastern embankment of Cell 3 (photo 2 through 4) and entering <br />the ditch (photo 2 through 4). The Division believes that the additional flow through the ditch caused <br />excessive erosion throughout the entire downgradient segment of the Ditch (see photos 5 and 6). The erosion <br />caused by the increased flows through the Ditch has damaged surrounding land and structures. <br />CONCLUSION <br />Based on observations made during the inspection the Division will have to conduct a more thorough follow-up <br />inspection. The Division's conclusions will be summarized in greater detail in the follow-up inspection report. <br />In the Division's follow-up inspection report, the Division may cite a Problem(s) and/or a Possible Violation(s). <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Connie Davis <br />Aggregate Industries - WCR, Inc. <br />1687 Cole Blvd., Ste. 300 <br />Golden, CO 80401 <br />CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7014 0150 0000 9138 8809 <br />Return Receipt Requested <br />cc: Tony Waldron, DRMS <br />Wally Erickson, DRMS <br />Peter Hays, DRMS <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />