2023-04-10_REVISION - M1977567 - Laserfiche WebLink

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� �EC � PERMIT#:M-1977-567 APR 10 20D INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: LJW INSPECTION DATE: March 7,2023 DIVISION G�p S�NON MW41N OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety's Active Mines Program, also at the request of the Operator's representative to discuss the possibility of releasing the site from DRMS jurisdiction. The Airport Pit is a 110c Operation operated by Saguache County Road and Bridge. The site is located 2.5 northwest of the town of Saguache at 7850 feet in elevation. Public access is controlled by two locked gates off Hwy 114 and the site consists of 9.5 permitted acres to be reclaimed to support a post mining land use of general agriculture. Pursuant to Rule 4.1.2(2) no financial warranty is held for the site. In addition to Joe Gilbert the Operator representative, Landowner representatives were present. Five Photos accompany this report to illustrate the current site conditions. The proper mine identification signage was posted at the entrance to the site, near the second gate which can be seen in Photo One. The site was not active at the time of the inspection and no mining or reclamation equipment was present on site. The site acts as an intermittent source of material for Saguache County Road and Bridge and has not been utilized in some time. The mining has been conducted at approximately reclamation grade, resulting in no highwalls left on site. The side slopes are stable and well vegetated with volunteer grass species. The slopes appeared stable at the time of the inspection and no evidence of settling, sloping or erosion was noted. Photos Two and Three show examples of the pit slopes found on site. The pit floor is in good condition with small stockpiles of unprocessed pit run material and varying elevations. The pit floor and stockpiles appeared stable and also has become vegetated with volunteer grass and shrub species. Examples of the pit floor can be seen in Photos Four and Five. The entire affected area exhibits positive drainage, and no impounded water from snowmelt or any other source was noted on site. No evidence of state listed noxious weeds, nor signs of settling,slumping or erosion were observed. The overall footprint of the site is in excellent condition and was stable. The main focus of the inspection was to discuss the release of the permit, in its current condition for use by the landowner. The landowner representatives expressed a desire to be able to use the pit for material for ranch roads and other various projects on their property,which requires no permit. The landowner representative made the verbal acceptance of the pit in its current condition and recognize that once the permit is terminated, material may not be sold or exported off their property. In order to release the permit, the Operator must submit the enclosed release request form, with its required information and via certified mail to the Division's Denver Office. That request must also include a commitment in writing from the landowner accepting the pit in its current condition and committing to not export or sell material from the property. If all elements of the release request are received within sixty (60) days of the date of this report, this inspection shall constitute the release inspection and the request may be processed in accordance with the Rules. All responses to this report should be directed to Lucas West with the Division's Active Mines Program at DRMS, Room 215, 1001 E. 62"d Ave. Denver, CO 80216. Direct contact can be made at the Division's Grand Junction Field Office, by phone at 303-866-3567 Ext. 8187 or by email at lucas.west@state.co.us. Page 2 of 5