INSPEC00709

• Permit No: M1980049
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: DMG MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 5/7/1997
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• (Page 21 •
MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-80-049
INSPECTION DATE 05/07/97 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO
OBSERVATIONS
This inspection by the Division was performed as part of its monitoring of 110 permits. This inspector attempted to contact the
operator, and left a message with another person at the operator's phone number. No return call was received by this office, nor
was the operator present at the inspection.
The permit boundary is irregularly shaped, but seems to follow the fencelines and topography of [he site. The file contains a
surveyed boundary map provided in the original application materials, but there is nothing depicted along some of the boundaries
or within the 8-acre permit area for features, structures or activities. Though lack of a current map is not noted as a problem in this
report, the operator should submit a good map showing enough detail to be useable, by the next anniversary date. It may
accompany the annual report.
The 04/21 /94 inspection report notes that the lack of a permit ID sign and boundary markers is a problem. The operator was to
correct the problem, and notify the Division by a specific date. There is no evidence of such notification in the file, and at the time
of this inspection no ID sign was noted either. As mentioned above, certain fencelines or corners may actually be on the boundary,
but the map does not contain enough information to determine whether this is the case or if boundary markers were actually needed.
The topic of "signs and markers" is therefore again noted as a problem on page one and the corrective action explained on the last
Page•
There are several activities currently being carried out within the permit area by the operator/landowner. Observations during the
inspection included livestock feeding and grazing (cattle and horses), miscellaneous equipment storage, timber cutting
equipment/firewood processing and storage, and gravel mining. The area of the mining-related activity is small (less than 3 acres)
and limited to the southeast end of the permit area.
The pit itself is small and shows little evidence of recent or significant usage. Most of the sidewalls are stably graded. There is a
highwall on the north side oT the pit, about 1 00 feet long and 1 2 feet high at most. Some material has been placed against the toe
of the highwall, perhaps as backfill material (?I. The east and south walls of the pit are partly reclaimed. Sufficient topsoil is
stockpiled above the north and east sides of the pit. It is vegetated with annual weeds, but otherwise appears stable and not
eroding.
The west edge of the permit area appears, according to the map, to be between the toe of the natural slope and Alkali Creek. Some
cobble and small boulder material has rolled down the slope from the top where mining has disturbed it, but it seems to be contained
within the permit boundaries. Along the top of this natural slope, and at the SW edge of the pit, are two old piles of crushed gravel.
The file indicates that this was crushed by the county in the 1 980s. The piles show some sign of recent but limited use. The total
volume is estimated to be about 3,000 cubic yards.
The file also indicates that the operator sells very little, if any, gravel commmercially. Gravel pits must have a permit if the material
is sold or it leaves the actual property. The law specifically states that a permit is not needed if the excavation and use is for the
that piece of property. If the operator is not going to sell gravel, and it is not to leave his ranch, then the operator might want to
consider reclaiming the permit-related disturbance and requesting release from the permit. The stockpiles may remain for future use
on the land. If this option is not considered viable, the operator will of course still be liable for maintaining the site, posting the bond,
payment of annual tees and filing of annual reports. (Please contact this office if you wish to discuss this.)
The current bond amount is S2500. Based on the amount of current disturbance, this is estimated to be adequate, but detailed
reclamation costs will be calculated, and the figures sent to the operator for review.
Other than the sign and markers, there were no problems noted during this inspection. If there are questions about this report,
please contact this inspector at the address or phone shown below:
Division of Minerals and Geology
484 Turner Dr., Bldg F-101
Durango CO 81301
970/247-51 93.
cont