Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M-2007-010 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: LJW <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 4, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br />OBSERVATIONS <br /> <br />This inspection was completed as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division <br />of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The Martinez Pit is listed as an active 110(c) operation and is located 6 <br />Miles Southwest of Chromo, CO at approximately 7,150 Feet in Elevation. The site lies on the North side of <br />County Road 391 (Edith Road), and public access is controlled by a locked gate. No Operator representative <br />was present during the inspection, however Kathy Weber of Weber Sand and Gravel was contacted prior to <br />the inspection. The Division currently holds $19,879.00 in financial warranty for the site. A reclamation cost <br />estimate will be performed and sent to the Operator under a separate cover. Four Photos accompany this <br />report to illustrate the current site conditions. <br /> <br />Proper Mine Identification signage is posted at the entrance to the site seen in Photo One. The permit <br />boundaries were clearly outlined with berms where feasible. The site consists of 9.9 permitted acres that <br />encompass a cliff face and was not active during the inspection. The Mining activity is contained within the <br />permitted area, and is approved for the removal of large boulders, mostly for river res toration projects. The <br />site contains a main road leading East from the processing area, shown in Photo Two. From the access road, <br />four benches have been cut to access the materials Examples of the benched areas can be seen in Photo <br />Three. The current map submitted with the annual report does not show the existence of the benches. The <br />Division is requesting that the Operator submit a new map along with the documentation required as part of <br />the corrective actions, which adequately show the benched areas. All roads and benches on site appear to be <br />stable and exhibit positive drainage of storm water runoff. No erosional issues were noted during this <br />inspection. The undisturbed areas of the site are still in their natural state with adequate vegetation. D o to <br />the lack of activity, the benches and roads are beginning to show growth from volunteer species. <br /> <br />The processing area at the base of the cliff has been littered with trash, shown in Photos Four and Five. A <br />small area appears to have been used as a burn pit for trash, and the unburned remains have subsequently <br />been blown across the site by prevailing winds. Discussion with the Operator indicate that the landowner has <br />been utilizing this area to burn his household trash, and has been a point of contention in the past. This is <br />being cited as a problem, with a compliance date of July 12, 2016. The Operator shall submit photo <br />documentation of the removal of the trash from ALL areas within the permitted boundaries. All <br />documentation of compliance shall be received by the Division’s Denver Office no later than July 12, 2016. <br /> <br />Our Records indicate that the last date of mining activity was December of 2013. Rule 1.13.5 (1) of the <br />Mineral Rules and Regulations for the Extraction of Construction Materials states that “If the Operator plans <br />to, or doe, temporarily cease production of the mining operation for 180 days or more the Operator must file <br />a Notice of Temporary Cessation in writing, to the Office.” The start date of the Temporary Cessation period is <br />retroactive to the last date of activity. Enclosed with this report is the Temporary Cessation form. Please fill <br />the applicable sections out, using additional pages where necessary and return to the Division within 60 days. <br />All documentation of compliance shall be received by the Division’s Denver office no later than July 12, 2016. <br />If you have any questions about the form, or the process that follows please do not hesitate to contact me. <br />The mailing address for the Division’s Denver Office is listed below, as well as my Phone number. <br /> <br />All responses to this report should be directed to Lucas West at the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining <br />and Safety at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203, by phone at (970)-243-6368 or by email at <br />lucas.west@state.co.us.