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PERMIT#:P-2006-036 <br /> INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ACY <br /> INSPECTION DATE:July 25,2023 <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety normal <br /> monitoring program. The 2006-07 Geo-Hydro Drill & Core Program-Public is a Hard Rock NOI located in Rio <br /> Blanco County. Amy Yeldell of the Division conducted the inspection. Samantha Baker, Dillon Berry and <br /> Dave Murray represented the Operator. James Roberts of the White River Field Office was also present. <br /> The permitted NOI includes a total of 14.12 acres and has a required bond of$50,621. In 2021,under SR-1, the <br /> bond was reduced based on progress towards the completion of final reclamation. The Division still holds <br /> $293,326.33 in financial warranty for this site since a replacement bond has not been submitted following the <br /> approval of SR-1 (5-11-2021). In 2014 with the approval of MD-1 all uninstalled pads and boreholes were <br /> removed. The following pads remain permitted; 82-1-299, 84-1-299, Triad Access Road, 91-22-199, 92-22-199, <br /> 93-22-199, 94-22-199, and 95-22-199. <br /> All hydrology wells have been plugged and abandoned,which includes cementing, cut and cap wells and <br /> backfill. Hydrology well pads have been reclaimed. The last reclamation efforts were completed in 2010/2014 <br /> and now are awaiting adequate vegetation establishment. The past winter consisted of heavy snows with <br /> warmer than average temperatures. The early spring/summer was very cold and plant germination was slow up <br /> till mid-June when temperature's skyrocketed into the high 90's with little to no moisture. Late June a few <br /> storms have begun but the summer monsoons have not truly started. Wild horse populations have continued to <br /> be a nuisance despite the round up last year. Vegetation throughout much of the Piceance Basin is showing <br /> signs of overgrazing. Over all pads are stable with no signs of erosion. All mining related debris has been <br /> removed from the site(s). Specific observations of each pad are listed below, <br /> *Pad 82-1-299: Previously this pad has struggled to have desirable grasses and out complete the Cheatgrass. <br /> Noxious weed now appear to be effectively managed and little to no noxious species were observed. <br /> Overall there is good diversity. There is some evidence of grazing but vegetation appears sustainable <br /> even with pressure. Overall the site appears to be stabilized with vegetative cover. Photo One. <br /> *Pad 84-1-299: Vegetation on this pad has rebounded from last year's heavy grazing and weeds. Evidence of <br /> grazing is significantly less and only patches are affected. There is a diverse mix of shrubs and grasses <br /> with sufficient cover to prevent erosion. Little to no weeds were observed. Photo Two. <br /> Triad Access Road and pads: Previously the adjacent lands have been hydro-axed(shrub mowing)by the BLM <br /> to break up dense patches of sagebrush and allow for establishment of more grasses.None of the <br /> permitted lands have been affected by this activity however the loss in wind breaks has result in dryer <br /> conditions on the pads. Vegetation on the access road is sparse, approx. 30% cover of primarily grasses. <br /> Noxious weeds such as Russian Thistle continue to be a problem. The operator will continue to manage <br /> noxious species. Photos Three and Four. <br /> *Indicates pads where final reclamation has been achieved <br /> Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Amy Yeldell at the Division of Reclamation, Mining <br /> and Safety, Room 215, 1001 E 62nd Ave, Denver, CO 80216. Direct contact can be made by phone at 303- <br /> 866-3567 Ext 8183 or via email at amy.yeldell@state.co.us <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />