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III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations <br />made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during <br />the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division <br />of Minerals and Geology. This was also an Office of Surface Mining (OSM) Special <br />Focus Inspection. Henry Austin of the OSM was present to participate in the <br />inspection. The special focus topic was reclamation success and prevention of <br />offsite impacts regarding coalmine waste banks. This site includes a reclaimed <br />development waste pile on the eastern portion of the reclaimed main facility area. <br />A former underground mine, the Golden Eagle was reclaimed and reseeded in 1996 and <br />early 1997. Ron Thompson of Peak Project Management represented Basin Resources <br />during the inspection. The weather was cool and windy. Ground conditions were wet <br />and muddy in places due to recent rains. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the Tri-State railyard office on <br />the west side of Trinidad. Ron Thompson maintains the records on behalf of Basin <br />Resources. All records were easily found as required and as detailed on the <br />attached checklist. The operator is currently attempting to terminate their CDPS <br />permit, as all ponds and outfalls have been removed for a number of years. <br />Signs and Markers <br />The mine identification sign along the entry road at the railroad crossing was <br />found in compliance with Rule 4.02. The sign correctly displays the phone number <br />for Mr. Thompson at Peak Project Management. <br />Revegetation <br />The vegetation on all reclaimed areas is in excellent condition due to persistent <br />late season moisture. Warm season grasses such as side oats grams and blue grams <br />are abundant and at their reproductive peak. Noxious weeds were not noted to the <br />extent that they impact the post mining land use or detract from the establishment <br />of desirable species. This is the seventh growing season for most of the reclaimed <br />area. <br />CiihtidanrP <br />No further evidence of subsidence at the backfilled portal area was evident, <br />although a small amount of water had ponded due to surface irregularities. Any <br />significant amount of water would drain to the east in the permanent drainage. <br />3 <br />