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--~;- <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during <br />the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the <br />facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This partial inspection of the La Plata No. 1 Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson from <br />the DMG Durango office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301, <br />phone (970) 247-5193. The permit for the La Plata No. 1 Mine has been revoked. <br />Final reclamation was assured by Rocky Mountain Bank & Trust, therefore, financial <br />warranty was not forfeited. On 4/25/96, DMG conducted Phase I & II bond release <br />inspection. No activity was observed at the mine site during the time of this inspection. <br />DMG inspector did not contact anyone at the mine site. <br />Hydrologic Balance -Uncontrolled drainage has eroded the steep backfilled slope, <br />located above the mine shop structures and below the reclaimed slope. Resulting <br />erosion has developed gully, approximately 4' deep and 3' wide, geocell channel lining <br />has been undercut. Capacity of sediment retention basin, located at base of steep <br />slope, has been consumed. Maintenance of sediment retention basin is required to <br />restore capacity and function of basin. Erosion resistant lining is necessarv for eroded <br />drainage channel. Repair of eroded slope to stable configuration is required. This <br />erosion problem has been identified previously in DMG inspection reports. Erosion has <br />advanced significantly since DMG 7/31 /97 inspection. Headward erosion has advanced <br />upslope to the backfilled bench area. <br />Revegetation -Reclamation vegetation was dense and diverse throughout the reclaimed <br />areas. However, noxious weeds have become well established and threaten the <br />continued development of desirable vegetation. Weed control methods are necessarv to <br />prevent spread of noxious weeds and ensure appropriate vegetative cover for reclaimed <br />areas. Russian knapweed, Common ragweed, Flix weed and Musk thistle were <br />established along the reclaimed haul road, between the mine entrance and first switch <br />back. Canada thistle were well established within the sediment traps and erosion gully <br />above the sediment traps. <br />