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(Page 21 • <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-82-011 <br />INSPECTION DATE 6-17-99 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a partial inspection of the Hillyer Pit conducted as part of the Division's routine monitoring and bond review <br />program. <br />The site has not changed much since the last inspection. The operator indicated that a mine identification sign had been <br />installed, but that someone had removed it. No sign was observed at the site. The operator must install another mine <br />identification sign, in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br />Piles of dirt, etc. have been dumped on-site from an off-site source. The operator indicates that these were illegal dumping <br />events. However, the operator is responsible far ensuring the site is reclaimed per the approved reclamation plan and the <br />rules. Therefore, these piles will need to be utilized in reclamation of the site, or be properly disposed of. Judging by the <br />vegetative growth becoming established on these piles, it appears that they are not materials that were contaminated by <br />hazardous chemicals. These piles do contain some asphalt and concrete chunks that need to be removed and properly <br />disposed of. This issue was listed as a problem in the last inspection report. Though it remains a problem, and must be <br />corrected, this issue will not be repeated on page three of this report. <br />There are still some piles of gravel out in the stream channel that need to be removed and sold or spread out on site, above <br />high water line. There are some small sections of the river bank that appear to be steeper than the approved 3:1 grade. <br />These sections will need to be reduced to 3:1 or less. The operator does not have a 404 permit for this site, so the work <br />described above may be required to be performed using bucketed equipment that does not result in more than incidental <br />fallback. <br />The river flow was high during this inspection, but was still approximately six inches low of the elevation where it would <br />flow in the original channel. There is a vertical drop in the river bed at the upstream end of the pit. It is unknown if this <br />area is armored. If not, this drop could lead to headcutting and degradation of the streambed, upstream of the site. The <br />operator will need to address this condition after the high flows of spring runoff is over. The operator is strongly <br />encouraged to contact the Army Corps of Engineers to identify acceptable alternatives for addressing this issue, as well <br />as the issues mentioned above regarding riverbank slope reduction and gravel piles in the river. <br />Prior to this inspection, the operator indicated that willow shoots would be planted at this site, this summer, per the <br />approved reclamation plan. However, with the reclamation work still required to make this site ready for revegetation, the <br />Division recommends that the operator plant the willows in areas that already meet the requirements of the approved <br />reclamation plan, and where they won't be destroyed by operations that will be necessary to remedy the situations noted <br />above. Once the site grading is completed, additional willows may need to be planted to comply with the reclamation plan <br />requirements. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be sent to: <br />Division of Minerals and Geology, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Steve Shuey. <br />Steve Shuey can also be contacted at phone no. 970-247-5062. <br />I & E Contact Address <br />NAME <br />OPERATOR <br />STREET <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP <br />JoAnn Vota <br />Same <br />P. O. Box 3142 <br />Duranao. CO 81302 <br />cc: Tom Gillis, DMG <br />~( CE -Nick Mezei <br />^ BL <br />^ FS <br />^ HW <br />^ HMWMD ICHI <br />^ SE <br />^ WOCD ICHI <br />^ OTHER <br />Grand Jct. Office <br />