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PERMIT #: M-1992-003 <br />INSPECTOR’S INITIALS: JPL <br />INSPECTION DATE: August 26, 2020 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 8 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br />The Willis Pit was inspected by Patrick Lennberg with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />(Division/DRMS). The inspection was completed as part of the Division’s routine monitoring inspection <br />program. The site was previously inspected by the Division on May 12, 2016 as part of the Division’s routine <br />monitoring. Bucky McCullar, representing the Operator, was unable accompanied me during the inspection <br />due to a miscommunication. The weather was clear and windy. <br /> <br />The Willis Pit is located in Huerfano County approximately 5 miles northwest of La Veta, Colorado. The mine is <br />a 110 construction materials permit for 8.6 acres. The primary commodity being mined at the site is gravel. <br />The approved post-mining land use is rangeland. The mine site is located at the foothills of Rough and Silver <br />Mountains and the land surrounding the pit is rangeland. <br /> <br />The site was not active at the time of inspection. In speaking with the Operators representative he stated that <br />material from the stockpiles was being used periodically for maintenance of ranch roads and there are plans <br />to use the material for repairs of washouts that occurred after the Spring Creek fire in 2018 on ranch property. <br />In previous inspections it was noted there was a saw mill located south of the permit boundary. The mill and <br />surrounding area was burned during the fire and only concrete foundations remain. Aside from material being <br />used from stockpiles the pit has not seen activity for some time. <br /> <br />The pit area is accessed by a haul roads that enter from the north and south. The western area of the pit has <br />been graded to a 3H:1V or shallower. The eastern portion of the pit has a 500 foot long highwall that has been <br />naturally reclaimed to 1H:1V slope and is 15 to 20 feet in height. The pit is grazed by cattle being kept on the <br />ranch. Natural vegetation has volunteered in the pit area and is becoming well established. Few weeds were <br />noted during the inspection. All slopes were in stable condition. <br /> <br />The representative stated at the present time there was ongoing talks about selling the property and he did <br />not know if the new owners would like to begin operating the mine again. The current owner would not <br />actively mine the pit and would only use the stockpiled material for ranch property. If the property sale does <br />go through the new owners would have to complete a Request for Transfer of Minerals Permit and Succession <br />of Operators Application Packet. However, if the property does not sell it is recommended that the Operator <br />seek release of the permit. <br /> <br />The Division evaluated the financial warranty and determined the current bond amount held by the Division is <br />adequate at this time. <br /> <br />Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. <br /> <br />Please contact Patrick Lennberg (303)866-3567 ext. 8114 or email at patrick.lennberg@state.co.us if you have <br />any questions regarding this report. <br /> <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Raymond Whitmire <br />10748 Red Oak Road <br />Marietta, OK 73448 <br />