2016-04-25_INSPECTION - M1998038

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PERMIT #: M-1998-038 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: TOD INSPECTION DATE: January 14, 2016 Page 2 of 7 OBSERVATIONS This normal routine monitoring inspection was conducted by Tyler O’Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). Kirkland Construction, R.L.L.P. (Operator), was represented by Leonard Read, and Joe Baxter during the inspection. The Two Rivers Pit is located in Pueblo County approximately 5.5 miles east of Avondale, Colorado. The Two Rivers Pit is a 339-acre 112c Construction Materials Reclamation Permit with a maximum allowed disturbance of 99 acres. The primary commodity being mined at the site is sand and gravel. The 112c Construction Materials Reclamation Permit was issued in July 1998. The 112c Two Rivers Pit was permitted over the area previously permitted by a 111. The approved post-mining land use is rangeland. The mine site was surrounded by the following land uses: residential, agricultural, and rangeland. No problems or possible violations were observed during the inspection. During the inspection, the sky was slightly overcast. There was partial snow cover, covering approximately 50% of the ground. The site was not active during the inspection, it appears that the site sees infrequent mining operations. It appears that all mining related disturbance has taken place on top of the gravely terrace. It appears that mining started at the crest of the terrace and progressed to the south. It appears that no mining related disturbance has taken place within the Arkansas River alluvium or the Huerfano River alluvium. At the present time it appears that the mining operation had affected approximately 108 acres throughout the life of mine, with approximately 53 acres in various phases of reclamation. The Operator has been conducting adequate concurrent reclamation. Backfilling and Grading: The site has been graded between the crest of the terrace to the active highwall to the south. All reclaimed areas daylight off the terrace to the north. The Operator has graded portions of the affected land to 3H:1V or flatter. The Operator has been backfilling the deep excavation in the southeastern portion of the site (see photo 1). No exposed groundwater was observed; however the deep excavation located in the southeastern portion of the site has the potential to capture and retain stormwater. There were several stockpiles of product scattered throughout the affected area. There were also a few stockpiles of broken up concrete and asphalt. There was a highwall along the southern permit boundary. The highwall ran nearly the entire length of the southern pit boundary and was approximately 3,500 feet long. The highwall had an average height of approximately 15 feet. The highwall had an approximant slope of 1H:1V to just flatter than 1.5H:1V. When completing final reclamation, the Operator will need to grade all slopes to 3H:1V or flatter to comply with the approved reclamation plan. Financial Warranty: The current amount of financial warranty the Operator has on deposit with the State is $371,968.00. The reclamation cost estimate for this site was updated during the file review for this inspection. It was determined that the current required financial warranty amount is adequate. Hydrologic Balance: The current pit excavation is located on a gravel terrace just south of the Arkansas River and east of the Huerfano River. There was no evidence of excessive erosion. There appeared to be no significant impacts to the prevailing hydrologic balance. Gen. Compliance With Mine Plan: The operation appeared to be following the approved mine plan. All mining activity appeared to be within the approved permit boundary. There was a small screen plant located in the current disturbed area. There was also a scale house located at the entrance to the pit.