INSPEC01708

• Permit No: M1981088
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 7/18/1994
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

~i
MINE ID f OR PROSPECTING ID f
INSPECTION DATE 7-18-94
(Page 2) •
M-B1-088
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS ACS
This was a pre-operational inspection conducted ae part of the review process for a permit
amendment submitted by Western Nobile, the permittee. The only issue of significance
identified by the Division's review ie the bond amount that will be required. The existing
bond held for the site ie 515,500.00. The amendment incorporates an additional 17.7
disturbed acres into the permit, and changes the mining and reclamation plane from a two
phase operation to a 73.7 acre single phase.
The permit area consists of a cinder cone with a rail spur around the lower perimeter. Areas
around the lower perimeter have been leveled. Stockpiles, processing facilities, scales,
office trailers, and parking areas are located on this leveled area at approximate elevation
of 7680 feet. Above the leveled area, the excavated cinder cone rises between 120 and 140,
feet at elopes of between 2:1 and vertical, to a fairly level top surface. The proposed
reclamation plan ie based on the assumption that the deposit ie mined out leaving a level
surface at approximately 7680 feet of elevation, however, the bond moat be based upon the
highest coat, or worst case, scenario for timing of permit revocation and bond forfeiture.
This worst case would occur at the present time, with reclamation coats decreasing ae the
cinder cone ie lowered by mining. Reclamation from the extant topographic configuration
would involve reducing the steep elopes on the flanks of the cone. Slope reduction to no
steeper than 3:1 would allow a good chance for revegetation of the elopes.
The overburden soils on the cinder cone can easily be identified by a distinct light brown
color, ae contrasted with the black, red, or reddish brown un-weathered cinders or scoria.
The overburden soils are stockpiled at three main locations at the site. There ie a supply
of soil on top of the cone that consists of approximately 25 to 30 thousand cubic yards.
This soil is clearly visible on the aerial photo submitted with the 1992 annual report for
the pit. There is also soil piled against the southeast flank of the cone. This pile
contains approximately 1700 cubic yards. There is a large soil pile at the south end of the
site, containing approximately 22,000 cubic yards. There ie an undisturbed area of
approximately 3 acres on the north flank of the cone. When this area is stripped in advance
of mining, approximately 4700 cubic yards of soil will be salvaged and stockpiled at the base
of the north elope. Given these volumes of soil, approximately 6 inches could be placed over
the entire disturbed area at the time of reclamation. It ie important to note that these
soil volumes are estimates, and should not be construed ae performance standards to be met
by the permittee. The performance standard for this historically disturbed Bite ie for the
permittee to protect the existing soil piles, and to salvage any soil encountered in future
mining, and to replace all salvaged soil at the time of reclamation. If there ie sufficient
soil for a 6 inch cover, it should be spread evenly over the entire disturbance. If there
ie a soil deficit, critical areas, each as elopes, should be the focus for soil replacement.
An over size scoria dump located at the northeast end of the cone is being included into the
permit area by this amendment. The over size material has been pushed or dumped off the edge
of the 7680 foot level into a steep aided gulch which contains an ephemeral drainage. The
Bite manager, Jim Bretton, indicated that this dump is no longer used. If the dump is to be
used in the future, a properly sized culvert would have to be installed, or other
accommodation made, such that the drainage way is not further impeded by the toe of the dump.
Installation of a culvert or other drainage structure would have to be incorporated into the
Reclamation Permit ae a technical revision. The over size dump ie at the angle of repose,
and presents a challenge in terms of reclamation. It should be graded to a elope no steeper
than 2:1, if possible, and should be covered by soil, perhaps by dumping the soil off the
7680 foot level, and revegetated.
Attached to the permittee'e copy of this report are copies of correspondence regarding the
amendment application received from the Office of the State Engineer, the Colorado Historical
Society, and Routt County. Also attached ie the Division's reclamation coat evaluation for
this site. In terms of the issues for approval of the amendment application, the Division
can approve the application with the following stipulations:
A bond in the amount of 238,000.00 be posted for the operation by S
19, 1994 and prior to mining or mining related activities in the
area defined in the original permit maps.