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PERMIT #: M-1985-082 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: ACY <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 10, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 9 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br /> <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) <br />normal monitoring program. The Rock Pit Mine is a 110c permitted site that includes a total of 9 permitted <br />acres. This site is located approximately three and half miles southeast of Craig, Colorado. It is accessed from <br />Moffat County Road 394 through a private driveway. Wayne Brantley represented Pioneer Sand Company, Inc. <br />and accompanied Amy Yeldell of the Division on the inspection. <br /> <br />A sign was posted however the mine name was incorrect. This has been cited as a problem in the past several <br />times. As a result it is being cited once again as a problem. The operator shall post an updated mine sign shall <br />be posted per rule 3.1.12. by the corrective action date. <br /> <br />A few t-posts were observed as boundary markers. Prior to beginning reclamation the operator may benefit <br />from more frequent marking of the boundary to avoid accidental off-site damages. <br /> <br />No equipment, buildings or fuel storage were observed on site. Miscellaneous metal debris was scattered <br />throughout the site and shall be removed upon final reclamation. <br /> <br />The site has been inactive since 2013 per the annual reports. As indicated by the operator the site is to be <br />reclaimed. The operator shall notify the Division of its intent to begin final reclamation in writing or be subject <br />to Rule 1.13 regarding activity levels. <br /> <br />If the operator notifies the Divisions of its intent to begin final reclamation within 90 days of t his inspection <br />and begins reclamation activities in 2016 the Division will consider the current bond amount of $10,800 <br />adequate. The Division will schedule a follow up inspection in fall of 2016 to reevaluate the bond after <br />reclamation activities have commenced. If the Division does not receive notice of final reclamation then the <br />Division will update the reclamation cost estimate, which may result in a surety increase. <br /> <br />Several stockpiles remain. They are stable with no erosion and appear to be sloped 2:1. An excavated highwall <br />also remains. The topsoil stockpile was not clearly identified. Therefore the site may be topsoil deficient <br />depending on which stockpile is topsoil verse overburden. <br /> <br />Vegetation has volunteered since the sites inactivity. Unfortun ately most of this will need to be disturbed in <br />order to achieve reclamation per the approved plans. Some weeds were observed. They are not a problem at <br />this time but they should be treated as weather conditions allow. Infestations of weeds will threaten <br />reclamation success and future timely release. <br /> <br />Per the approved reclamation plan benches shall be graded to 3:1 slope then seeded with native grasses. The <br />current approved seed mix is as follows: Western Wheatgrass 3.5 PLS/AC, Bluebunch Wheatgrass 3.0 PL S/AC, <br />Green Needlegrass 2.5 PLS/AC, Indian Ricegrass 2.0 PLS/AC and Lewis Flax 1.0 PLS/AC. Rates are for drill <br />seeding, if broadcast seeding is used rates should be doubled. Plus 2 tons/ac or mulch crimped. Any changed <br />to the reclamation plan shall be done in the form of a technical revision with the associated $216 fee. <br /> <br />It is noted that the contact information for this site is outdated. Please submit a change of contact for at your <br />earliest convenience. <br />