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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion.of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was a complete inspection conducted by Joe Dudash of the Colorado DMG. No one represented the operator during the field inspection. Bill Bear represented the operator during the records check. The general area received considerable rainfall and snow in the past week. The mine site was covered in snow. Roads The paved haul road was snow covered but passable by foot. The cable with the "no trespassing" sign was across the haul road at the top of the hill. The bridge was also snow covered but passable. The mine site entrance gate was closed and latched, but not locked. Considering the slope instability and mine fire problems at this site, the operator should install a new chain and lock at this gate and install a "no trespassing" sign on the gate.. Signs and Mazkers The mine ID sign was present at the top of the hill. Surface disturbance mazkers were up azound the mine site. Hydrology A small slide occurred recently where the east side spring comes out of the hill. The locafion of the point where the spring comes out of the hillside has changed. Now it is about ten feet lower than its former location. The slide diverted some of the spring water away from the collection ditch and allowed some of the spring water to flow next to the office building. The flow was re-channeled temporarily but the operator must reestablish the collection ditch. The spring flow was muddy but cleared up the next morning. On that next morning, January 19, water samples were taken for water quality analyses. The spring water was the usual dazk orange color and was 78 degrees Fahrenheit at a point about 50 feet down slope of where the spring comes out of the hillside. North Fork of the Gunnison water samples above and below the Bear No. 3 Mine were also taken. The ice-covered water level in the sediment pond was just below the primary dischazge tube, while, at the Edwazds Mine portal spring treatment pond, the level was about 1 foot below the horizontal pipe. The only dischazge was from the spring treatment pond and was about 20 gpm and dark orange in color. This dischazge has been shown to be in compliance. Pond embankments and inslopes were snow covered: Facilities There were no. problems with the office building, except, as previously mentioned, the spring water was accumulating next io the building. Since the spring water was re-channeled, this water was not a problem. Records The records were in compliance, as shown on the attached records checklist. c:/word/beaz3/in sp0105