2016-07-18_INSPECTION - M1981185

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PERMIT #: M-1981-185 INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: LJW INSPECTION DATE: June 30, 2016 Page 2 of 7 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as a follow up for a deadline prescribed in the Mined Land Reclamation Board Order signed March 3, 2016. Details regarding all Board actions will be addressed in a separate correspondence. The Mayday Idaho Mine Complex is listed as an active 112d-1 permit consisting of 274.7 permitted acres. The site lies approximately fifteen miles northwest of Durango at 8,700 feet in elevation. Public access is controlled by a locked gate. The Division currently holds $204,562.00 in financial warranty for the site. A reclamation cost estimate was not performed at this time. Six Photos accompany this report to illustrate the current site conditions. This inspection was focused on the three main areas of the operation: the Chief Portal, the May Day 1 and the May Day 2 areas. The main areas of activity have been concentrated at the Chief Portal and the May Day 1. The site was not active during the inspection, however, equipment was staged on site. Along with the inspector listed on page one of this report, Russ Means of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety was present during the inspection. Chief Portal Area Most of the recent required activity has been concentrated at the Board ordered repairs of the Chief Portal area. The activity included the installation of a 66” culvert into the underground workings to serve as a secondary escape / emergency access. Inspectors confirmed with a measuring tape, the culvert sizing is correct per the approved plans of Technical Revision TR-5. The work also included buttressing the surrounding slopes, and surrounding the portal with precast concrete blocks. There were ten blocks measuring 8 feet long X 32 inches wide X 40 inches deep. Photo One shows the portal has a temporary closure of a 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood. On-site discussion took place with the operator about a permanent and secure closure that will be installed soon. This permanent structure will need to be addressed through a Technical Revision (TR) for proper review and inclusion in the permit. Under TR-5 the portal is to be stabilized with the installation of the culvert and concrete blocks as well as stabilization of the slopes above the portal by backfilling in compacted lifts. The slopes are to be vegetated and covered with either an erosion control blanket or vegetative matting. The slope has been backfilled to approximately 1.5H: 1V. The inspection was not able to confirm that the recommended fill material was utilized, or the moisture treatment or compaction requirements were adhered to during the construction of the Chief Portal slope. Compaction was required and a review of the as-built report will include review of this requirement. It is noted that due to on-site field conditions the operator decided to cover the slope with native scree rock to blend in wit h the adjacent undisturbed land. The rock cover was not approved by TR-5. Approximately 80% of the slope has been covered with rock and the remaining 20% of the slope has no cover. Photo Two shows the backfilled slope with the partial rock cover. The scree slope cover appears to be stable, however, the Division does not believe this will be adequate for erosion control or long term stability. The operator shall revegetate the slope in accordance with the revegetation plan as approved through TR -5 within 30 days. Evidence of revegetation activities must be received no later than September 1, 2016. Observations at the top of the slope area on the road indicated that some kind of safety barrier needs to be installed immediately and a more permanent solution addressed. The permanent safety structure was the third item discussed in the field that must be addressed through a TR.