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• IPege 21 MINE ID N OR PROSPECTING AD N M-76-020 INSPECTION DATE 3122/96 ~ INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE OBSERVATIONS This partial inspection was conducted by Wally Erickson from the DMG field office in Durango, 1474 Main Avenue, Room 207, Durango, CO 81301-5182,phone (970) 247-5062. David King, Mountain Gravel, accompanied the DMG inspector through out the inspection, Art Thompson, landowner, was present during the initial time of the inspection. The Thomas Pit ie: located approximately 12 miles north of Durango, on the east side of Highway 550, in portions of the SW 114 of the SE 1 /4 of Section 25, and in portions of the W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 36, both in T37N, R9W, NMPM, La Plata County. The 112 Regular permit was issued on 7/28177 for 25.4 acres affected area. In 1981 the permit was amended to include 4.4 acres additional affected area, total affected area is 29.8 acres. The operation is approved for gravel excavation from an overflow channel of the Animas River and pit area adjacent to the Animas River channel, and material crushing and washing, and concrete production- DMG holds financial warranty in the amount of 59,250.00. The operation was active during the time of this inspection. Mine identification sign was posted at the mine entrance. Affected area was clearly delineated by markers and fence lines for the north, west and south boundaries. The east boundary is aligned with the existing dike and berm within the Animas River channel. All mining related disturbances appeared to be contained within the approved area. Material was being excavated from the North Pit area. The North Pit appeared to be a rectangular excavation, approximately 20' deep, pit inslopes were well graded and appeared to be 3H:1 V slope. Hydraulic excavator was loading material into end dump trucks at the south end of the North Pit. Trucks were hauling material to stockpile/processing area. Impounded water was observed within the North Pit only at the SE corner of the pit, the remainder of the pit area was dry. Pump and 3" line was located at the SE corner of the North Pit, pump and 3" line were not intact, evidence of recent dewatering was not observed. Even through the floor of [he North Pit appeared to be approximately 20' below the present water elevation of the Animas River, water was not observed to be entering the pit area. Surface markers for underground water line were evident approximately 30' north of the North Pit, mining activities appeared to have not affected the underground water line. Four elevated nesting boxes (waterfowl nesting) were located in the vicinity of the North Pit. Canada goose was observed at the nesting box located at the SE corner of thie North Pit. West bank of the Animas River, north of the North Pit excavation, had been armored with concrete blocks. Conerete~ blocks were anchored to Cottonwood trees with steel cable. West bank appeared stable at this location. The South Pit or Dredge Basin was flooded. Elevation of water impounded within the Dredge Basin appealed to be approximately 5' below the present elevation of flow within the Animas River. Water was observed entering the north end of the Dredge Basin from the Animas River. Flow entering the Dredge Basin was visually estimated at 60 gpm. Water movement was not detected beyond the inlet area. Impounded water appeared generally clear, fish were observed within the Dredge Basin. Wash plant sediment pond was well maintained. Sediment was stockpiled west of the sediment pond frorn recent sediment pond cleaning. Wash plant was not intact or operating during the time of this inspection. Sediment containment ditch, which conveys processing water to the wash plant sediment pond, will need maintenance prior to wash plant activation. Four fuel tanks were observed within the active fuel storage area. Description of fuel storage area is as follows: One fuel tank, estimated capacity 10,000 gallons was setting on ground. Fuel tank was surrounded by spill containment berm. Tank appeared intact, no evidence of leaking was observed. South end of spill containment berm has been eroded by refueling activity and needs repair to ensure berm contains sufficient volume. One fuel tank, estimated capacity 1,000 gallons was setting on earthen platform. Platform was not surrounded by spill containment berm. Tank appeared intact, no evidence of leaking was observed. Two elevated fuel tanks, estimated capacity 300 gallons each. Elevated tanks not surrounded by spill containment berms. Tanks appeared intact, no evidence of leaking was observed. Fuels, lubricants and chemicals need to be stored in a controlled manner, at a designated location, with appropriate spill prevention/spill containment controls to ensure disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance be minimized as required by Rules 3.1.6 and 3.1.7. Spill containment controls typically include measures such as construction of a containment berm surrounding fuel tanks or fluid storage areas. Berm surrounding the fluid storage area should enclose sufficient area to ensurf: containment of volume equivalent to combined tank capacities, Containment areas should be lined with an impermeable liner to t:nsure spilt fuel or fluids not escape and degrade quality of surface and ground waters (Rules 3.1.6 and 3.1.71.