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PERMIT #: M-1995-056 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: LJW <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 4, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 5 <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 Weber Pit No. 2 is an active 112(c) operation located approximately 3 <br />miles northeast of Pagosa Springs near 7560 feet in elevation. The site lies on the south side of highway 160 <br />and public access is controlled by a locked gate. Steve Crouse the site foreman was present during the <br />inspection. The Division currently holds a financial warranty in the amount of $92,689.00 for the site. The <br />Division has reviewed the current reclamation cost estimate based on the current conditions and determined <br />that the current financial warranty is not sufficient to achieve reclamation. Enclosed with this report is a <br />notice of financial warranty increase and the reclamation cost estimate worksheets. Five photos accompany <br />this report to illustrate the current site conditions. <br /> <br />As seen in Photo One the proper mine identification sign was observed at the entrance to the site. The permit <br />boundaries were also clearly outlined with signs and berms and all disturbance is contained within the <br />permitted area. The site was active during the inspection and various equipment was observed. The activity <br />taking place during the inspection consisted of loading trucks with a front end loader from stockpiles located <br />on site. Other equipment other than what was involved in the activity was seen on site. The area identified as <br />phase one has been completely mined out. Phase two shown in Photo Two is approximately 98% mined out. <br />Discussions with the operator indicated that mining in phase two would be completed in the next few months <br />and reclamation of that area would begin. Several stockpiles of various sized materials are located within <br />phases one and two. Photos Three and Four show examples of the stockpiles located on site. The topsoil <br />stockpile as well as all reclaimed slopes located on site were well vegetated and appear to be stable. <br /> <br />An amendment to the permit was done in 2007 that added 63.7 acres for the creation of the phase three <br />mining area. The access road leading to phase three has been completed and stripping activates have begun. <br />Photo Five shows the activity taking place in phase three. The operator indicated that stripping will continue <br />until sufficient room is acquired for the crusher. At that time the crusher will be moved to phase three, and <br />phases one and two will begin to be reclaimed. <br /> <br />Some areas of phase one are being used for storage. An area adjacent to the mai n road is currently being <br />used as a lay down yard. All equipment and materials being stored in the various areas are well kept and in <br />good condition. The site exhibits positive drainage and no erosional issues were overserved. The storm water <br />control devices and catchment basin appeared to be functioning as designed. No noxious weeds were noted, <br />and discussions with the operator indicate that vegetation management is continuously taking place on site. <br />No problems or possible violations were noted at this time <br /> <br />All responses to this report should be directed to Lucas West at the Division of Reclamation, mining and Safety <br />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. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />