Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M-2005-003 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: PSH <br />INSPECTION DATE: September 16, 2015 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The Van Valkenburg Gravel Pit was inspected by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and <br />Safety (Division/DRMS) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. Mr. William Van Valkenburg <br />and his family members were present during the inspection. The site was previously inspected by the Division <br />on November 4, 2010. <br />The site is permitted for 36 acres. The site appeared mostly unchanged since the last inspection. Stockpiles of <br />material remain southeast of the former asphalt plant location, along the northwest permit boundary in the <br />middle of the site and in the southwest corner of the site. The Operator reported in the 2015 annual report <br />the stockpile of 1 % inch road base has been exhausted and 96 yards of Class 6 material and 16 yards of pit run <br />material were sold in 2014-2015. The pit run excavation was observed during the inspection and was full of <br />water. The Operator stated the source of the water was from the irrigated hay fields above the pit. <br />The approved post mining land use for the site is pastureland. No reclamation activities have occurred since <br />Lafarge reclaimed the site following the Hwy 14 paving project. Noxious weeds, downy brome and Canada <br />thistle, were observed on the overburden stockpile. The Operator stated the site was not been sprayed for <br />weeds recently due to wet condition, but the weeds would be sprayed soon. The reclamation vegetation on <br />the pit floor was sparse. The pit floor was gravelly. The lack of topsoil on the pit floor will make successful <br />revegetation of the pit floor difficult. The vegetation on the pit slopes appeared to be establishing well, but <br />was not fully evaluated during the inspection. <br />The Operator asked what was needed to finish the site reclamation and release the site. The remaining <br />product stockpiles need to be removed from the site or graded into the existing mine site. All remaining <br />topsoil and overburden stockpiles need to be spread on the disturbed areas and the site needs to be reseeded <br />with the approved seed mixture. Once the reclamation vegetation is well established the Operator can <br />request a full and final release of the site from the Division. <br />Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />William Van Valkenburg <br />Van Valkenburg Cattle Company, LLC <br />12353 Hwy 14 <br />Walden, CO 80480 <br />Cc: Wally Erickson, DRMS <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />