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1 <br /> PERMIT#: M-1978-072 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:TCW <br /> INSPECTION DATE: October 14,2016 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted by TC Wait of DRMS; Mr. Mark McHone and Mr.Jeff <br /> Coonts were present representing the operator. The site is located on the south bank of Hell Creek north of <br /> Arriba, accessed through a gate off of County Road 311 just east of County Road 42. The permit area on file is <br /> 14.16 acres; however, approximately 7 acres have been disturbed by mining activity at this time. The site was <br /> last inspected in October 2012. A revision was done in 2015 to correct the permit boundary maps for better <br /> accuracy. <br /> At the time of the inspection, the permit sign was in place and the permit boundary was defined by a barbed <br /> wire fenced. Mining activity originated in the east end of the site, working west. A berm about 2-3 feet high <br /> was observed between the pit and Hell Creek, which was dry at the time of the site visit. A small ponded area <br /> approximately 50 ft x 70 ft was noted in the pit below the western highwall. This appears to be runoff from <br /> storms that is collecting due to the high silt content of the subgrade soils. The eastern side of the pit has <br /> established native plant growth. The western side of the disturbed area includes the highwall from the more <br /> recent mining, which Mr. McHone stated he graded to a flatter slope about 4 years ago (2012). The slope has <br /> some minor rilling from water runoff that was observed. <br /> A small stockpile of material (approximately 45 ft in diameter) is located in the western side of the pit. A pile <br /> of old concrete (approx. 50 ft x 20 ft) is located in the eastern side of the pit. Topsoil has been stored along <br /> the upper slope southwest of the highwall, and a small pile is also located in the eastern portion of the pit. <br /> The topsoil is seeded and stable. <br /> An area where the Hell Creek stream bank has begun to pipe south toward the eastern portion of the site was <br /> noted. It may be possible to stabilize this feature using the concrete as riprap. <br /> There were several areas observed within the Hell Creek channel and north of the permit boundary with <br /> erosion and piping that are likely related to the presence of silty eolian soils known to exist in the area and not <br /> related to mining activity. <br /> The site is generally stable and in good condition. <br /> RECOMMENDATIONS: <br /> 1. The erosional features on the highwall and along the stream bank should be addressed and stabilized <br /> with BMPs. <br /> 2. If the pit is not going to be used in the near future, temporary cessation or reclamation and release <br /> should be considered. <br /> 3. The Operator should send a written request to the Division to change the pit contact information, <br /> including all applicable permit numbers. <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br />