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PERMIT #: M-1994-077 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ECS <br />INSPECTION DATE: February 22, 2018 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The inspection was conducted by Eric Scott of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). Steve <br />Williams of Washington County Road and Bridge District No. 3 was also present for the inspection. The Nickell <br />Gravel Pit is located 11 miles south of Last Chance, CO. The site is permitted for 67.95 acres and the post - <br />mining land use is rangeland. <br />The permit sign was posted at the site entrance off highway 71 (Photo 1), and the boundary of the affected <br />area was delineated by steel "T" posts. No mining was taking place at the time of the inspection and the site is <br />reported to have been inactive since late 2015. The Division would like to remind Washington County that <br />reclamation is required to be completed within five years of the end of mining activity. <br />Mining last took place within the channel of Vega Creek, an ephemeral stream, which was dry at the time of <br />the inspection (Photos 2-4). The Operator had been removing material from the creek bottom and stockpiling <br />the material on the west bank of the creek. There is a natural cut -bank along the east side of Vega Creek, the <br />Operator has not disturbed any portion of the eastern bank. <br />Since all past mining was contained to the channel of Vega Creek, no topsoil has been salvaged. The area that <br />was last mined will need to be smoothed and blended with the surrounding topography prior to final seeding. <br />The Operator has reclaimed portions of the western creek bank, south of where mining last occurred. The <br />reclaimed creek banks have been reshaped to final grade, but some infill seeding may be required. The <br />Operator should seed these areas as soon as possible. Establishing vegetation on the creek banks will aid in <br />the prevention of erosion and will reduce and subsequent reclamation that might be required following a <br />heavy precipitation event. <br />No other issues were observed during this inspection. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Steve Williams <br />Washington County <br />P.O. Box 32 <br />Anton, CO 80801 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />