INSPEC03199

• Permit No: M1985085
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 12/3/2001
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 11/19/2001
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• (Page 21 •
MINE ID !1 OR PROSPECTING ID rX M-1985-085
INSPECTION DATE 11/19/01 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO
OBSERVATIONS
This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Construction Materials 112c permits. The
operator was contacted, but was not present during the inspection. The site was not active at the time of the inspection.
The required permit ID sign was posted at the SW entrance gate to the site. The permit area boundaries are roughly defined
by the fencelines along the county road right-of-way on the south and east sides of the permit; the NW boundary is aligned
along the former location of the county road which, having been abandoned several years ago, is becoming difficult to
discern. There are no boundary markers along the NW side of the permit, but it does not appear that operations have
occurred outside the boundary. It will be important to accurately locate and mark the NW boundary line when mining or
reclamation activities begin.
The site has seen little change since the Division's last inspection (3/5/981. There is no apparent sign of excavation or
reclamation having been performed in several years, evident through observations at the site. The only observation of
recent activity is the removal of a limited amount of material from the gravel or chip pile southwest of the pit. The pit
slopes are graded to 3:1 or gentler and do not exhibit erosion. There are some piles of pitrun at the toe of the north and
NE pit slope. Though there may be some amount of pitrun removal, it appears to be intermittent at most since native
vegetation is encroaching on the pit and is now thinly scattered throughout it.
With the exception of the 1996 annual report which noted limited aradina in the floor of the pit, all annual reports filed
since 1988 note that there has been no activity, either minina or reclamation. The operator should be aware of the
provisions of Construction Materials Rule 1.13, which defines the time limits for prolonged periods of inactivity at a
permitted site. Several of the recent annual reports note that the operator might begin final reclamation on all or parts of
the pit. Rule 3.1.3 describes the five-year time limit related to the reclamation phase of an operation. Copies of both of
these rules are included with the operator's copy of this report.
In a telephone conversation with the operator on 11/27/01, this inspector learned that there has been much more regular
activity at the site than is reflected in the annual reports. This issue is important mainly due to the rules cited above, which
limit the time periods of "temporary cessation" and reclamation.
There is a problem noted on oaae one of this report. under the topic of "records" due to the reasons described above. The
operator must describe (briefly but accurately) the annual activities at the site in the annual reports, in the form of narrative
or maps. These are due each year on April 17, pursuant to Rule 1.15. As a correction to this problem, in the next annual
report the operator must include anv pertinent information as to anv minina, removal of stockpiled material, stabilization
measures, weed control, or reclamation performed. A map must be included which shows these current activities. See
the last oaae for the correction date.
Topsoil was salvaged for use in reclamation, but the stockpiles have not been reveoetated. This was noted as a problem
in the 1994 inspection report, and noted as remaining an uncorrected problem in the 1997 and 1998 inspection reports.
The topsoil that is stockpiled along the east edge of the pit, north of the pit, and windrowed along the south edge of the
pit still exhibits inadequate vegetative cover. The scant native grass and brush present have invaded on their own, and
much of the pile surfaces contain annual weeds. These conditions will contribute to the long-term degradation of the
topsoil and possibly make reclamation more difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Therefore. the topic of "topsoil" is
again noted as a problem in this report Isee pace onel since the operator's approved minina plan states that topsoil will
be seeded to protect it against wind and water erosion. The correction to this problem will be to apply crass seed to these
unprotected piles laccordina to the species and proper season as detailed in the reveoetation plant. and to submit a
statement of commitment that it will be performed during the next proper season, or a report of its timely completion, in
the next annual report. See the last oaae for the correction date. The operator should refer to Rules 3.1.9 and 3.1.10 for
additional reclamation standards for topsoil and revegetation.
The current bond amount is 525,000. The reclamation costs will be reviewed again this winter to determine if the bond
is adequate. If there is an increase, the operator will be notified, at which time there will be 60 days to provide the
additional amount.
There were no additional items observed. All responses or questions about this inspection report should be directed to this
inspector at the Division's Durango Field Office. The address is: Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio,
Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301; telephone [phone], or fax [phone].