Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#:M-1981-121 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:TC1 <br /> INSPECTION DATE: March 18,2015 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This inspection was conducted as part of the regular monitoring program. Thei Operator (S & K No. 1, LLC) was <br /> represented by Mr.Joe Kraig who was present for the inspection. <br /> The Hale Pit site entrance is located at the intersection of Spencer Rd and McClelland Rd, approximately five <br /> miles southeast of Peyton, CO. This is a 110c sand and gravel mine. It was rot operating at the time of the <br /> inspection. <br /> Inspection: <br /> Markers & Boundary—A permit sign was displayed at the site entrance (see Photo 1). Mr. Kraig indicated the <br /> south, west, and north permit boundaries were marked by fences (see Photo 2) and the east boundary was <br /> topographically marked by the creek bed (Brackett Creek). <br /> Mining Plan —Highwalls were estimated to vary between 10 and 15 feet in heiOht. Most highwalls appeared to <br /> be between 1H:1V (see Photo 3) and 2H:1V (see Photo 4) with upper portions of some highwalls near vertical. <br /> Mr. Kraig indicated the mine was worked south to north to a depth of 10 feelt then expanded to the east. A <br /> review of historical Google Earth images suggests mining has occurred in a'more or less random outward <br /> expansion over the years as opposed to the proposed 660 ft x 100 ft south to Oorth strip prior to expanding to <br /> the east. A comparison of blurry 2004 and late 2005 Google Earth images inaicate a northward expansion of <br /> the pit on the west side, suggesting the current Operator is following the approved mine plan. No significant <br /> lateral expansion of the pit can be discerned from Google Earth images since late 2005. This does not imply <br /> excavations have not occurred within the horizontal confines of the pit since then. <br /> The Division used 2011 Google Earth satellite imagery combined with photos taken during the inspection to <br /> estimate the disturbed area and the lengths of highwalls at various slopes. Figure 1 presents the total estimated <br /> disturbance of 6.63 acres and total lengths of highwalls categorized as 1H:IV, 1.5H:1V, or 2H:1V. For the <br /> purpose of estimating the volume of backfill necessary to flatten these highwalls to the minimum 3H:1V in the <br /> approved reclamation plan, the Division assumed an average highwall height df 10 feet (these calculations are <br /> included in the enclosed bond estimate. As mining related disturbance is closer than 200 feet (in some cases <br /> as close as 25 feet) of the section lines (McClelland Road and the fence and acdess road along the south side of <br /> the site), structure agreements may be required now. <br /> Reclamation —The flatter (-2H:1V) highwalls were mostly revegetated (likely through natural progression) and <br /> appeared stable (see Photo 5), whereas the steeper ones were not (see PhOto 6). Mr. Kraig stated topsoil <br /> stockpiles were located on the northwest, northeast, south central and southeast crests of the pit. Mr. Kraig <br /> also indicated he was considering beginning final reclamation, but had not made a decision as of the date of the <br /> inspection. <br /> As portions of the east and south highwalls appear to have fairly well establithed vegetation and little to no <br /> erosion, the Division may consider a revision to the reclamation plan to exempt these areas from further <br /> reclamation if: 1) the Operator intends no further mining activity in these ateas, and 2) wishes to submit a <br /> Technical Revision application to revise the reclamation plan for these areas. If approved by the Division, this <br /> sort of revision would have some effect on reducing the currently proposed bond increase. <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />