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PERMIT#:M-2020-050 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:PSH <br /> INSPECTION DATE: October 13,2020 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This was an inspection of the property owned by the Allyson A. Degroot Living Trust to investigate a complaint <br /> of a possible illegal mining operation conducted by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and <br /> Safety (Division/DRMS). On October 9, 2020, the Division received an anonymous complaint of possible illegal <br /> mining activity on the property. The location of the activity was identified as a quarter mile south and east of <br /> the intersection of Weld County Road 51 and Weld County Road 46. The complainant stated the property was <br /> being mined for topsoil and the topsoil was being sold to the oilfields without any permits or reclamation plan. <br /> A copy of the complaint from is attached. An inspection map based on the latest available Google Earth <br /> image and the observations from this inspection is attached for reference. <br /> A material stockpile and three (3) areas of recent shallow excavation were observed during the inspection. <br /> The size of the stockpile was estimated at 14,400 cubic yards. The total area disturbed by the excavation <br /> activity was estimated at 18.81 acres based on measurements taken during the inspection and Google Earth <br /> image. The excavation work appears to have been completed using scrapers to excavate the top several <br /> inches of topsoil material and placing the material in the stockpile. No equipment was present at the time of <br /> the inspection and no activity was observed during the inspection. No evidence of material being removed <br /> from the site was observed during the inspection. The stockpile was intact and no area of excavation into the <br /> stockpile was observed during the inspection. <br /> As cited as a problem requiring corrective action, the Division requests the landowner or a person <br /> knowledgeable of the excavation work complete an "Is It Mining" questionnaire or contact the Division as <br /> soon as possible to discuss the excavation activities. The information requested in the questionnaire will allow <br /> the Division to make a final decision regarding whether a Division issued permit is required for the excavation. <br /> A copy of the questionnaire is attached and available at https:Hdrive.google.com/file/d/1VBxztXPXnwcjgJa- <br /> TQsj 08 F M KQ4x/v ievW. <br /> Prior to engaging in a new mining operation, a permit must first be obtained from the Division in accordance <br /> with C.R.S. 34-32.5-109(1). Mining activities, including the excavation, selling and offsite transport of topsoil, <br /> borrow material or other construction materials; conducted without the Division's approval, will be <br /> considered illegal mining resulting in the issuance of a Reason to Believe a Violation Exists notice by the <br /> Division and an enforcement hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board. Any Operator who operates <br /> without a permit shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per day nor <br /> more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each day the land has been affected pursuant to C.R.S 34- <br /> 32.5-123(2). <br /> Photographs taken during the inspection are attached. If you need additional information or have any <br /> questions, please contact me at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room <br /> 215, Denver, CO 80203, by telephone at 303.866.3567 x 8124, or by email at peter.hays@state.co.us. <br /> A copy of this report was mailed to Allyson Degroot Living Trust, P.O. Box 360, Kersey, CO 80644 on October <br /> 16, 2020. The report was not picked up and was returned to the Division based on USPS tracking <br /> information. The report is being re-sent to the address below. <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br />