2021-10-12_REVISION - M2013036 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERMIT#: M-2013-036 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: LJW INSPECTION DATE: August 25,2021 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted in response to the Operator's request for an inspection after conducting reclamation activities. The Luke the Duke Gravel Pit is listed as an active 110(c) that is approved for reclamation only activities in La Plata County. The site is located approximately 3.8 miles south of Hesperus, CO at approximately 7940 feet in elevation. Public access is controlled by a locked gate that also serves as Mr. Avery's driveway. Penny Miller, the landowner was present during the inspection as well as represented the Operator. The Division currently holds $5,869.00 in Financial Warranty for the site. Five photos accompany this report to illustrate the current site conditions. The proper mine identification signage was posted at the entrance to the site and the permit boundaries were clearly marked. The site was not active and no mining or reclamation equipment was observed on site. Since the previous inspection conducted by the Division, the Operator has completed the remaining reclamation of the site which included revegetation and ongoing weed treatment of the site. All sloping and grading throughout the site was stable at the time of the inspection. The slopes of the North Pond seen in Photos One and Two were in good condition and appear to be shallower than 3H: 1V. The sloping around the South Pond, shown in Photos Three and Four was also in good condition and stable at the time of the inspection. The slopes have been set at a 3H: 1V configuration. Both ponds, and the upland areas in the entire permitted area have had the topsoil replaced at a depth of 12-18 inches. The sloping, grading and replaced topsoil are all in excellent condition and no signs of settling slumping or erosion was noted during the inspection. Also visible in the four photos is the well-established vegetative cover. Prior to the Division's previous inspection the Operator had seeded the affected lands and has since been conducting weed maintenance and mowing operations to assist the establishment of the reclamation species. The vegetative cover on all affected lands is dense, diverse and shows multiple year's biomass indicating that the vegetation is self- sufficient. Vegetative cover has been achieved in accordance with the approved Reclamation Plan. Another example of the vegetation can be seen in Photo Five. Located at the south end of the permit area are several stockpiles of material. The material has been approved to remain post reclamation,for landowner use on the property. The stockpiles are in excellent condition and appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. The overall footprint of the site is in excellent condition. No evidence of settling, slumping or erosion was noted on site, and no State-Listed Noxious Weeds were observed. Based on the observations made during this inspection, the Division has determined that final reclamation of the site has been achieved in accordance with the Act, Rules and Regulations as well as the approved Reclamation Plan. If the Operator so chooses, the site is eligible for full and final release. If a complete release request is received by the Division within 60 days of the date of this report, this inspection will serve as the release inspection. A blank copy of the Full and Final Release Request form is enclosed with this report. All responses to this report should be directed to Lucas West at the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver CO, 80203. Direct contact be made by phone at 303- 866-3567 Ext. 8187 or by email at Iucas.west@state.co.us. Page 2 of 5