Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M-2004-052 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: ERR <br />INSPECTION DATE: March 9, 2016 <br />appeared to have been inactive for serval years, based on evidence of substantial erosion on the haul roads in the <br />southwest corner near the site entrance, and the eroded slopes on the eastern mining face. The most recent <br />Annual Report, received on October 5, 2015, stated the last date of excavation, processing or hauling activity at <br />the mine site occurred in July 2012. The photographs from the June 13, 2012 DRMS Inspection Report support <br />this and show recent activity at that time. <br /> <br />During the inspection, the Division observed two large erosion features that have migrated outside of the <br />approved permit boundary. The first is along the southern boundary, approximately 150 feet west of the <br />southeast boundary corner. This feature is approximately 30 feet across at its widest point, 30 feet long with at <br />least 20 feet beyond the approximate permit boundary, and 10 feet deep with near vertical walls. It appears that <br />this erosional future was caused by stormwater entering the site and running down the highwall that remains <br />along the southern permit boundary. This caused a gulley which then headcut and migrated to the south. A map <br />has been prepared and attached to this report to show the approximate location of this off-site erosion. <br /> <br />The second off-site erosional feature observed is located in the northwest corner of the site. This feature is <br />approximately 20 feet across at its widest point, 100 feet long with at least 20 feet beyond the permit <br />boundary/fence line, and 10 feet deep with near vertical walls. It appears that this erosional future was caused <br />by channelized stormwater, which was flowing down the ephemeral Wildhorse Creek, entering the excavation <br />and causing a headcut, which then migrated off-site to the north. After reviewing a topographical map, this <br />creek runs from the northwest corner of the site, southeast toward the middle of the eastern boundary. This off- <br />site erosion has also been labeled on the attached map. <br /> <br />The Operator failed to stabilize and protect the affected lands, which then caused these two erosional features to <br />affect non-permit lands. The Division believes these two erosional features are primarily due to the lack of <br />activity at the site for nearly 4 years. These issues have been cited as possible violations; a Reason To Believe <br />letter that a violation exists will be sent with or under a separate cover of this report. <br /> <br />For safety reasons, the Division highly recommends the Operator immediately construct temporary safety <br />fencing around the observed off-site erosional features. <br /> <br />This concludes the Division’s Inspection Report; a subset of photographs taken during the time of the inspection <br />are included below. If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact me at Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203, by telephone at 303- <br />866-3567 x8132, or by email at elliott.russell@state.co.us. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Randy Schafer <br />Phillips County <br />221 S. Interocean Ave. <br />Holyoke, CO 80734 <br /> <br />Enclosure: Fafert Pit (M-2004-052) 3-9-16 Inspection Map <br /> <br />CC: Wally Erickson; DRMS <br /> <br /> <br />Page 3 of 6