2025-04-24_PERMIT FILE - M2023044

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PERMIT#:M-2023-044 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS:ACY INSPECTION DATE:April 2,2025 OBSERVATIONS On March 20, 2025,the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division)received a citizen complaint from Joseph Larsen regarding potential illegal or off-site mining. The complaint was forwarded to the landowner/operator Moores Mining, LLC on March 24, 2024. Given that the landowner/operator has a permit, the complaint(CT-2)was originally indexed under the Permit No. M-1980-178. The Division later determined that the area in question was separate from the permitted mining operation and was previously investigated in December of 2023. All information regarding the alleged illegal mine will be under File No. M-2023-044. On March 24, 2025,the Division spoke on the phone with Leon Moores of Moores Mining, LLC to set up an investigation inspection. During the phone call it was explained by Mr. Moores that no additional work to the south fields has occurred since the previous inspection. They have been clearing dead trees from the property which has opened things up. On April 2, 2025,the Division conducted a site inspection of the areas pertaining to the citizen complaint. Amy Yeldell of the Division conducted the inspection. Leon and Ray Moores accompanied. The complainant was not present for the inspection. Provided in the complaint was a map with six areas noted as possible illegal mining activity. First the Division looked at Area 5. This is a buried irrigation pipeline that was installed between 2012-2014 according to Mr. Moores. Division staff walked the extent of the pipeline. A flat road was left for access to valves and vent pipes. The road has self-reclaimed and there appears to be no recent disturbances to this feature. Mr. Moore did indicate that when installing the pipe, they utilized fines from their permitted pit as bedding material for the pipe. Periodically there are small excess piles left adjacent to the pipeline. Next the Division observed Area 6. This is a one lane metal bridge to cross the creek. There is evidence where oversize equipment that has crossed the creek periodically, but the banks are vegetated and appear intact. There were no recent signs of crossing. Water was crystal clear with no indications of negative impacts from crossing. No excavations were observed along the creek banks. Mr. Moore did indicate as some point they plan to remove the dead trees that have fallen into the creek but that no excavations are anticipated. Areas 3 and 4 are ponds. They store excess irrigation water and have been stocked with fish for recreational fishing. Mr. Moores indicated that they have permits on them for stocking of the fish. Banks appear stable with no indications of recent excavations. There is a road to the southeast of the pond in Area 4 that was created for hunting access. Area 1 was previously investigated in December of 2023.No changes to the site have been made. A screen was located on site but has not been used within the past year. The upper field is flat with fines and being used to feed livestock. The lower field portion has not been completed and is mostly a rocky field. The intention is to clear rocks and level to increase irrigable land and grazing. There is piped irrigation to this area. A road extends from Area 1 to Area 2. This is for agricultural use to check cows and hunting and public land access. All disturbances indicated in the complaint are located on private land. As previously mentioned, clearing of dead trees has been a recent activity on site. They use their mining haul trucks to transport the downed timber before its processed as firewood.No recent excavations were observed, and no exposed groundwater was observed. All activities noted in the complaint appear to be associated with agricultural use and not within the Division's jurisdiction.No further action is required. Page 2 of 8