Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT #: M-1995-012 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: ACY <br />INSPECTION DATE: June 14, 2016 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 8 <br /> <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 Powell’s Gravel Pit is a 110c permitted site that includes a total of 9.9 <br />permitted acres. This site is located approximately three miles east of Dinosaur, Colorado and is accessed from <br />Hwy 40. Cork Powell and Jayne Kuck represented the operator and accompanied Amy Yeldell of th e Division <br />on the inspection. <br /> <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule <br />3.1.12. The sign is posted on the gate at the entrance from the Hwy 40. The permit boundary is clearly <br />delineated by T-posts. <br /> <br />There are two main mining areas. The northeast face is approximately 20’ high and 60’ wide. Bentonite is <br />excavated from the hillside, no further processing occurs. The excavation is sloped approximate 1:1. <br /> <br />The second mining area is on the south facing slopes. The hillside below a large rock outcrop has been <br />excavated. Below the rock outcrop is a pad area that has a containment berm for stormwater protection. <br />Adjacent to the rock outcrop is a series of small benches or dozer paths. Slopes vary fro m near vertical to 3:1. <br />Depending on mining progress come reclamation the rock outcrop may require blasting. Rock outcrops are <br />natural features of this are but the outcrop needs to be stable if it is to remain. <br /> <br />Staff estimates that on the 9.9 acre site, approximate 4 acres have been disturbed to date. No weeds were <br />observed. Much of the site has volunteer native vegetation. No stockpiles were observed. Overall the site was <br />stable, no significant erosion was observed. No overburden or topsoil piles were ob served. <br /> <br />There is no exposed water, or water used for mining. No buildings or fuel storage was observed. Equipment is <br />stored on the property southeast of the mining area. Everything is stored neatly and well organized. <br /> <br />Per the 2013 annual report the site was declared to be in final reclamation. The site has since resumed <br />activity. This is cited as a problem. The operator shall submit a letter clarifying to the Division that it would like <br />to be considered in active status again and that mining activities have resumed. Please clarify the date in <br />which you resumed activity. Please specify if you would like to remain an intermittent operator as well. <br /> <br />No other problems or violations were cited during this inspection. <br /> <br />Currently the Division holds a Financial Warranty in the amount of $9,200 for this site. This is the amount <br />calculated in 1995 upon permit the issuance, no other increases have occurred since. In an effort to ensure the <br />Financial Warranty adequately, reflects the actual current cost of fulfilling the requirements of the approved <br />reclamation plan the Division will be updating the reclamation cost estimate. <br /> <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to: Amy Yeldell at the Division of Reclamation, Mining <br />and Safety, 1313 Sherman St., Room 215, Denver, CO 80203. Direct contact can be made by phone at 970 -254- <br />8511 or via email at amy.yeldell@state.co.us <br /> <br />