2016-06-14_INSPECTION - M2016010

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PERMIT #: M-2016-010 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: AME INSPECTION DATE: April 12, 2016 Page 2 of 14 OBSERVATIONS This was a preoperation inspection of the proposed Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry (DRMS File No. M-2016-010) conducted by Amy Eschberger, Peter Hays, Tim Cazier, Wally Erickson, and Tony Waldron of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). The inspection was in response to a new 112 Construction Materials Reclamation Permit application that was filed with the Division on March 8, 2016 by Transit Mix Concrete Co. (applicant). The proposed permit area is 392.75 acres (Figure 1 shows location of proposed permit area). The primary commodity to be mined is granite for use as construction aggregate. The proposed post-mining land use is wildlife habitat. The applicant was represented during the inspection by Jerry Schnabel, Brandon Heser, Bob Stabo, and Paul Kos. The landowner’s son, Matt Stafford was also present for the inspection. The site is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, in El Paso County. The proposed access to the site will be to construct a new haul road off of Hwy 115 that approaches the mining area from the southeast. This road will cross the Hitch Rack Ranch property (Photo 1). Currently, the site is accessed from the east via Little Turkey Creek Road, which has a locked gate east of the property (Photo 2). The application submitted lists RMBC Group, LLC as the landowner of the proposed affected land. A small portion of the proposed access road is owned by the State of Colorado. The State of Colorado owns the mineral rights of the proposed affected land. The site is situated in the foothills of eastern Colorado. The proposed mining area consists of steep drainages separated by narrow finger ridges with prominent granitic rock outcrops. Two creeks cross the proposed mining area, which flow southeastward when carrying water. Deadman Creek is an ephemeral stream that cuts across the northern edge of the proposed mining area. Little Turkey Creek cuts across the middle of the proposed mining area. The proposed mine operation will maintain a 100 foot lateral setback from the creeks, except at three crossing areas, one across Deadman Creek, and two across Little Turkey Creek. During the inspection, the Division observed where the applicant has placed stakes along Little Turkey Creek Road, marking where one of the crossings will be constructed (Photos 3 and 4). The creek/road crossing areas will be approximately 100 feet in width. The proposed access road will cross the eastern lower elevations of the Hitch Rack Ranch property where vegetation consists primarily of Gambel Oak and grasses with mixed conifers on the steeper slopes. Elevations in the proposed permit area range from approximately 6,600 feet AMSL at the eastern edge where the proposed access road will intersect Hwy 115, to approximately 7,600 feet AMSL on a ridge at the southwestern edge of the proposed mining area. Before the field inspection, the Division met with the applicant at their office in Colorado Springs. During the meeting, there were discussions about the 112c permitting process and the anticipated timeline. The applicant showed the Division additional maps and visual models of the proposed site, giving a general overview of the proposed operation and final reclamation (Photos 5-9). At the time of the field inspection, a storm was moving through the area. This prevented the Division from completing a full inspection. The Division was able to observe the Little Turkey Creek canyon and a few of the boreholes associated with the prospecting permit no. P-2014-016. Borehole HC001-15 (completed in 2015) was observed in the Little Turkey Creek canyon (Photo 10). This borehole appeared to be sealed at the surface and the drill pad had not yet been revegetated. Borehole B1 (completed in 2014) was observed on the south side of a ridge in the proposed North Pit area, located in the northwestern portion of the site. This borehole also appeared to be sealed at the surface, and the drill pad had not yet been revegetated. Tim Cazier of the Division discusses these boreholes in his inspection report for P-2014-016, signed April 13, 2016. A problem was cited in his report for the presence of common mullein (a state-listed noxious weed species) in the drill pad areas (disturbed land). The Division observed the presence of common mullein and downy brome (cheatgrass) throughout the