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III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations <br />made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during <br />the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division <br />of Minerals and Geology. This former underground mine was reclaimed and reseeded <br />in 1996 and early 1997. The mine has achieved a Phase II bond release for the <br />majority of the disturbed area. Ground conditions are dry and the weather was <br />mild and windy. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the New Elk mine site approximately <br />four miles west of the Golden Eagle site. Interested parties should proceed to <br />the coal lab building immediately south of the main entrance. The New Elk site is <br />now active and the site is open during normal business hours. Ron Thompson is the <br />site contact and the person who maintains the records for the Golden Eagle mine. <br />All required records were found as detailed on the attached checklist. <br />Fish and Wildlife <br />The reclaimed area was traversed on foot. Observation of tracks and scat <br />indicates that elk and deer utilize the reclaimed area frequently. <br />Revegetation <br />Reseeded areas are now dominated by the species present in the reclamation seed <br />mix. Smooth brome, wheatgrass, and grama grasses were noted. Some shrubs were <br />noted although they are not abundant. Vegetation seems very effective at <br />controlling any excessive erosion. Rills and gullies are not a problem at this <br />site. Vegetation continues to be dormant due to winter conditions. The site <br />would benefit from additional moisture. <br />Slides and Damage <br />A small crater or erosional feature exists about one-half the way along the lower <br />reclaimed slope. It is not related to any gully or erosion. The crater measures <br />about two feet deep and 15 feet long. Small rodents have burrowed in this <br />feature. It should be filled and reseeded in the early spring. The remainder of <br />the reclaimed areas like the water tank area, Apache Canyon vent fan sites, <br />topsoil borrow area, and pond reclaimed areas appeared normal for the winter <br />season. The NW-1 vent site will likely require re-seeding due to poor vegetation <br />re-establishment. This should be done as soon as weather conditions allow in the <br />spring. <br />3 <br />