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(Page 21 MINE ID k OR PROSPECTING ID # M-77-022 INSPECTION DATE 6-17-97 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This was a routine complete monitoring inspection of Pit No. 3, which is an in-stream operation located on the North Fork of the Gunnison River Just east of the Paonia Main Street Bridge, at the confluence of Minnesota Creek and the North Fork. The operation is permitted to disturb 9.03 acres for excavation of sand and gravel from the North Fork, and excavation to enlarge a small pond on the south bank of the North Fork. The site sits adjacent to apre-existing concrete batch plant that is not part of the permitted operation. The exact boundary of the site was hard to determine due to lack of adequate perimeter markers and the absence of the "existing pond" that was indicated in the original permit. More markers will need to be installed and the permit revised if the pond is no longer going to be part of the operation plan. The in-stream portion of the mine site is nearly full of gravel and does not exhibit any signs of erasion or channel instability. Evidence exists indicating that concrete trucks have been washed out on the mine site. This is not a permitted activity at this location and will need to take place at the concrete facility or be incorporated into the permit through the revision process. The concrete "trails" from the washed out trucks did not indicate that these wash waters had discharged to the river. However, they did come close. If the wet concrete had made it to the river, an enforcement action may have been issued for failure to minimize adverse effects to the hydrologic balance. The approved reclamation plan calls far planting of trees without additional seeding of grasses and fortis for soil stabilization. The majority of the trees to be planted are Russian olive. Colorado has placed a moratorium on this species due to it's aggressive nature along waterways which allows russian olive to replace more desireable native species. Additionally, it would not be recommended to plant trees alone on bare soil. Not only will the slopes be susceptible to erosion, but all disturbed areas will be a prime target for weeds. Please be aware that operations seeking warranty release will not be released if the site has a noxious weed infestation problem. Delta Sand and Gravel is encouraged to revise the reclamation plan to include a revegetation seeding plan and a tree and shrub planting plan that includes a diversity of species that will enhance the post-mining land use of wildlife habitat and that includes desirable native species. SE/4 SE/4 Sec.31, T13S, R91 W, 6th P.M. I & E Contact Address NAME Michael Ripp OPERATOR Delta Sand and Gravel STREET P.0. Box 103 CITY/STATE/ZIP Delta, Colorado 81416 cc: Tom Gillis, DMG ~" CE -Nick Mezeii -Grand Jct. Office ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD ICHI ^ SE ^ WOCD ICHI ^ OTHER