Laserfiche WebLink
PERMIT#: M-1995-005 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: ACY <br /> INSPECTION DATE:April 18,2023 <br /> (Photo Eight). Recently the site has been accepted into the Ute Water District. The Operator is working with a <br /> consultant to engineer plans to pipe water to the site to be used for dust suppression. The utilization of Ute <br /> Water is anticipated for summer of 2023. <br /> As a best management practice the Operator also tries to shut down during periods of high winds. While on site <br /> Mr. Baker verbally committed to continue this practice and be more diligent about high wind shut downs in an <br /> effort to be a good neighbor. The operator is also irrigating pit run to decrease dust generated during crushing <br /> and screening operations (Photo Nine). <br /> During the inspection dust was observed coming off of the mine site (Photos Ten and Eleven). The dust was <br /> mostly blowing off of the existing stockpiles located on the south side of the pit. No topsoil was observed <br /> leaving the site. Evidence of a recent attempt to manage dust was visible based on puddles located throughout <br /> the pit. The Division recommends that the operator spray down stockpiles that are being worked more <br /> frequently to avoid the potential for dust. It is acknowledged that dust is generally not within the jurisdiction of <br /> DRMS and is handled at a county level or through CDPHE. However, it is a Division permit condition that the <br /> Operator maintains compliance with all other agencies required permits. <br /> While entering and exiting the pit a large plume of dust was observed coming off of the county compost <br /> crusher/shredder. Material was actively being loaded despite high winds. A plume of dust was observed each <br /> time the processing plant received a new load of compost(Photo Twelve). This may also be an additional local <br /> source of dust, especially during times of high wind. <br /> Other Observations: <br /> Asphalt and cement are being imported recycled to create additional export products (Photo Thirteen). This <br /> activity was approved under TR-2. A crusher and screen were on site though not operating that the time of the <br /> inspection (Photo Fourteen). Stockpiles of mined material are generally located on the south side of the pit. <br /> Processed material is located to the east of the processing plant. Topsoil soil is located southeast of the active <br /> mining area. Mining is continuing to progress to the west. It is approaching the edge of the current bluff and <br /> will progress to the next bluff to the west. Approximately 800 LF of near vertical highwall was observed. A <br /> portion may require backfill rather than cut fill making which is comparable to the previously bonded amount of <br /> 200 LF cut/fill (Photo Fifteen). Several pieces of equipment were observed on site. Fuel is currently stored in a <br /> mobile double walled tank near the entrance ramp into the pit floor. <br /> Division staff also inspected the approximately 3 ac. of land noted as being reclaimed on the most recent annual <br /> report(Photo Sixteen). Vegetation has begun to germinate however there is a high frequency of noxious weeds <br /> present. Based on timing it is difficult to differentiate between desirable and noxious grass species. The <br /> Operator is encouraged to monitor germination and growth throughout the season. Noxious weed species <br /> should be managed to the extent practical to avoid negative impacts to desired reclamation species. If desirable <br /> species begin to outcompete the noxious species present, please contact the Division to coordinate a release <br /> inspection. The Division acknowledges that the surrounding vegetation is significantly different than the <br /> approved Reclamation Plan seed mix. This makes it difficult to determine when successful reclamation has been <br /> achieved. <br /> The Division currently requires a financial warranty amount of$56,400.43 for this site. In an effort to ensure <br /> the Financial Warranty adequately, reflects the actual current cost of fulfilling the requirements of the approved <br /> reclamation plan the Division will be updating the reclamation cost estimate. The Operator will be notified if <br /> the bond is found to be insufficient. <br /> Page 3 of 12 <br />