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PERMIT #: M-1977-231 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: TC1 <br />INSPECTION DATE: June 22, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br />OBSERVATIONS <br /> <br />This inspection was conducted as a request from the Operator’s (Pamela Wedige) representative. The Operator <br />(First Bentonite Company Colorado) was represented by Mr. Ed Zabrisky who was present for the inspection. <br />Mr. Zabrisky asked to visit the site with this inspector to discuss required earthwork and revegetation for final <br />reclamation of the site. <br /> <br />The LBC Bentonite Pit site entrance is located off US 50, approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Coaldale, CO. <br />This is a 110c clay mine. It was not operating at the time of the inspection. <br /> <br />Inspection: <br />Permit Sign – The permit sign at the site entrance had been knocked down (see Photo 1). The sign should be <br />put back up and will need to remain in place until final release from the Division. <br /> <br />Reclamation – No reclamation activity appears to have occurred since the last inspection (4/28/15). Mr. Zabrisky <br />asked specifically about reclamation with respect to two areas: A) the sediment pond (now with cattails and <br />cattle footprints) shown in Photos 2 and 3; and B) the area shown in Photo 4, described in the previous <br />inspection report as what may be a natural gulley or a pre-law disturbance related to the mining activity <br />discussed in Item 2.d of the February 27, 1979 letter. The Division recommends the following: <br />A) The sediment pond should have an outlet swale cut in the downstream side through the current product <br />stockpile storage area such that the pond does not store more than a foot or two of water (so a <br />reasonable infiltration time can be obtained) and the north corner of the pond bank should be flattened <br />to 3H:1V (see Photo 5). Then all the pond banks should be covered with topsoil and reseeded. <br />B) The west bank of the gulley appears to be well-vegetated on the top and the floor. The Division will <br />need to further coordinate with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to make sure the reclamation <br />expectations of both agencies are met for this area. The BLM is copied on this report. <br /> <br />As discussed with Ms. Wedige during the previous inspection, all areas disturbed by mining activity need to be <br />reclaimed by completing the following: <br />1) slopes are required to be 3H:1V of flatter, <br />2) topsoil spread on the regraded slopes (12 inches per approved reclamation plan), <br />3) reseed, and allow vegetation to become established (approved seed mix included in the previous <br />inspection report), <br />4) product stockpiles need to be removed, <br />5) grading must allow free drainage so as to prevent impounding stormwater. <br /> <br />Please contact Tim Cazier (303-866-3567, ext. 8169) if you have any questions regarding this report. <br /> <br /> <br />