INSPEC04546

• Permit No: C1980001
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection report
• Inspection Date: 8/9/2002
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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 is a partial inspection conducted by Janet Binns of CDMG. The Edna mine is a reclaimed surface
mine. No personnel remain on the site. Mine site is accessed through locked gates. The entire state of
Colorado has experienced a drought this summer. The Northwest Colorado region had received high
intensity short duration localized thunderstorms several days preceding the inspection. Rain was
measured in Craig, Colorado, approximately 40 miles West of the Edna Mine on Tuesday 8/6/02 and
on Wednesday 8/7/02. Overall the mine site and access roads are dry. The Edna mine site did receive
some rain the preceding week as evidenced in livestock water tanks retaining fresh water across the
site, and damp roads.
Roads: Access roads into and across the site are maintained in good conditions. No road washouts or
ponding on the roadways was encountered during this inspection. Access roads were gated and locked
restricting access by unauthorized vehicles.
Hydrologic Balance: Ponds were not inspected during this inspection. Upper portions (East) of
drainages were inspected. The series of rock check dams along the eastern side of the West Pit, were
holding recent runoff and holding together well. The southernmost check dam had previously been
compromised yet dams lower in the drainage appeazed functional. No gullying noted in West Pit area.
Drainages throughout site look good. Gully formation was not evident. Moffat Pit area was in good
condition. No gullies were observed in the Moffat Pit azea.
Vegetation: Vegetation in the West pit is thin. Dominant species consist of Smooth brome and
Intermediate wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, Russian wildrye and alfalfa. Weedy species, curlycup
gumweed (grindellia squarosa) are common as well. This is not considered a noxious weed in Routt
county so does not require weed control measures, however this species is unpalatable to livestock and
does not support the postmining land use. Soils in the west pit azea tend to be rocky. Considerable
Rabbitbrush (Chysothamnus nauseosus) and Sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) are becoming
established in the West pit reclamation.
Vegetation is good in the Moffat Pit. The Moffat Pit exhibits considerable species diversity. Species
noted include; sagebrush, Rabbitbrush, Rocky Mountain penstamen, Smooth bromegrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, cicer milkvetch, Yarrow, Slender wheatgrass, Western wheatgrass, Thickspike wheatgrass,
Needle-and-thread grass, and Russian wildrye. Occassional patches of Canada thistle were noted
thoughout the mine area. Although not considered an infestation at this point in time, control of this
noxious weed needs to continue.
Post mining land use: Cattle and sheep were not using the upper reaches of the mine area. A vacant
shepherd's trailer was parked alongside the roadway in the central area of the mine. No evidence of
domestic grazing in the reclaimed areas was noted.
Facilities Area: Reclaimed load out facilities azea has been graded and structures except the former
mine office has been reclaimed. The rail line still remains along with the rail spur that previously let to