Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#:M-2001-077 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ACY <br /> INSPECTION DATE:December 17,2021 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This inspection was conducted in response to the succession of operator request that was submitted on <br /> December 6, 2021. The inspection was conducted by Amy Yeldell of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, <br /> Mining and Safety (Division). The Piceance Pit is a 112c permitted site that includes a total of 34.13 acres, of <br /> which 17 acres have been affected. This site is located approximately twenty miles east of Meeker, CO and is <br /> accessed from State Highway 5 (Piceance Creek Rd). Clint Chappell represented Rio Blanco County (RBC),the <br /> current Operator and Mike Lopez represented Flintstone, LLC,the prospective Operator. <br /> The mine identification sign was not present during the inspection. RBC has pulled their sign and a replacement <br /> sign has not yet been posted. Given the transition period this is not cited as a problem. However a mine sign <br /> shall be posted within 60 days of a decision regarding the transfer. The affected area boundary markers are <br /> delineated with white PVC posts and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br /> The site was inactive at the time of the inspection. Recently RBC removed the last of their stockpiled material <br /> from site. Only a very small pile of 3"minus remains on site for the landowner's use.No scales, fuel or <br /> equipment was on site. Over all the site appears to be stable and well maintained. No trash or other debris was <br /> observed on site. <br /> The site consists of a stockpile area on the west side (approx. 5.56 ac), an inundated pond in the middle (approx. <br /> 8.64 ac) and undisturbed land on the east side (approx. 17 ac). <br /> Topsoil is stored along the north side of the pond. The pond slopes appear to be graded to a 3H: IV or less, <br /> concurrently with mining. No dewater is necessary to reclaim the slopes at this time however pumping is <br /> required for mining or reclamation under normal conditions. The stockpile area is void of vegetation and is <br /> highly compacted. This area will need to be ripped prior to application of topsoil for final reclamation. Given <br /> the high water table areas adjacent to the water(shoreline)will be revegetated with a wetland mix,while all <br /> other areas will receive the upland mix. <br /> As a result of this inspection the Division will calculate the reclamation bond necessary to fulfill the <br /> requirements of the approved reclamation plan. The current mine plan does not provide maximum disturbances <br /> or thresholds for mining. With that being said the bond will be calculated based on the current site conditions. It <br /> is likely that as mining progresses and disturbance is increased the bond will also go up unless concurrent <br /> reclamation is conducted. The bond and explanation will be provided under a separate cover. <br /> Responses to this inspection report should be directed to: Amy Yeldell at the Division of Reclamation, Mining <br /> and Safety, 1313 Sherman St., Room 215, Denver, CO 80203. Direct contact can be made by phone at 303-866- <br /> 3567 Ext 8183 or via email at amy.yeldell@state.co.us <br /> Inspection Contact Address CC: <br /> Clint Chappell Don Almond <br /> Rio Blanco County Flintstone, LLC <br /> 570 2nd St. 1691 Snow Eagle Ct <br /> Meeker, CO 81641 Loma, CO 81524 <br /> EC: Travis Marshall, Senior EPS, Grand Junction DRMS <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />