2025-08-27_INSPECTION - M1991116

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Site Visit Permit No. M-1991-116, Ecl<holt Mine (I<nocl<er Mining Company) Site Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Site Visit byTCW/PSH, DRMS Background on permit August 1991: illegal operation reported. • Historically mined • Est 6 acres disturbed • Water discharging from an adit • Several shallow prospect holes (dry) both sides of road • Evidence of placer mining along length of creel<. • Adit "under" extensive shacl<and exploration adit located near road. Presumably adit intersects worl<ings of the earlier mine (based on amount of water discharging). Under shacl<adit has extensive drainage system, out of adit, under road, into a pond. • Water samples— low pH, elevated conductivity, heavy staining (dissolved metals loading and poor water quality) but similar to above stream values. • Unpermitted discharge (CWA violation) July 2001: USFS sent illegal trespass notice requiring removal of all buildings, vehicles, equipment and trash within 90 days and rehabilitation to natural conditions, including stopping water flow from adit. February 2002: the MLRB found the operator in violation for mining without a permit and was ordered to post bond and submit a reclamation plan. The Operator did a portion of the reclamation, USFS used the remainder of the bond to backfill the adit and demo remaining structures. August 2006: inspection found est 3 acres disturbed, 2 incised adits discharging 10 gpm and 100 gpm, building, 15 ft highwall with small tunnels, settling pond, no vegetation. November 2006: Permit was revol<ed and bond forfeited. September 2007: Reclamation completed by USFS"all adits and trench were backfilled with one monument installed at the entrance of one of the adits." Note: TCW spoke with Jim McArdle 8129125 to see what he remembers of the site. He did remember water flowing and said he believes no action was taken on the south side of the road in 2007, but suggested we talk further with USFS, possiblyJohn Neubert(ret) 720-270-6239.