2016-06-15_INSPECTION - M1977020

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PERMIT #: M-1977-020 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: DMC INSPECTION DATE: June 14, 2016 Page 2 of 5 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted in order to address the Surety Reduction request (SR-1), which was submitted on May 20, 2016. Mike Ripp and Eric Sorrenson, representing the Operator, were present during this inspection. Photographs are included with this report in order to illustrate some of the conditions observed. The Pit No. 1 site is located on the north side of Delta and accessed from Hwy 92. The site is a 112c operation that includes a total of 58.44 permitted acres. The Division currently holds a financial warranty amount of $83,133.00 for this site. The site is in final reclamation. The approved post-mine land use is recreation and wildlife habitat. The reclamation plan includes three separate lakes. Pit No. 1 Tamarisk and Russian Olive have been removed from this area. Final grading is complete and in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Topsoil has been applied to the pit slopes and seeding occurred earlier this spring. The planted grasses were observable in places, but still too immature to determine whether or not successful establishment will occur. Most of the vegetation observed consisted of volunteer species. Willows and cottonwoods are beginning to establish on the banks. Black Lake Reclamation of this area commenced in 2003-2004. Final grading has been completed and the pit slopes are stable and well vegetated. Tamarisk and Russian Olive are present around this pond. Because reclamation of this area commenced prior to the adoption of the Division’s Tamarisk and Russian Olive Management policy (January 19, 2005), eradication of these species is not required. Lake Loughrey This area was reclaimed prior to the Black Lake area. Final grading is complete and the pit slopes are stable and well vegetated. Tamarisk and Russian Olive are present around this pond as well. Because reclamation of this area commenced prior to the adoption of the Division’s Tamarisk and Russian Olive Management policy (January 19, 2005), eradication of these species is not required. However, the operator has removed these species from the west shoreline through recent regrading work. Based on the conditions observed during this inspection, the only remaining reclamation task is successful establishment of vegetation. The required financial warranty amount will be reduced accordingly. No problems or violations were noted during this inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Dustin Czapla at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone number (970) 243- 6299.