INSPEC05015

• Permit No: M1977020
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 12/8/2000
• Doc Name: DMG MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 11/29/2000
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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MINE ID a OR PROSPECTING ID aY M-1977-022
INSPECTION DATE 11-29-2000 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS
OBSERVATIONS
This inspection was conducted as part of The Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) monitoring program for permitted
mines in Colorado.
Mining of this site has apparently not taken place since the mining of the Stage 3 pond. The site is currently being used
for stockpiling of gravel from the adjacent Four D Pit.
Apparently due to poor runoff during the past few years, the North Fork of the Gunnison River has not full recharged the
area of Stage 1 previously excavated. It does appear that the river is recharging material in the form of gravel bars,
gradually creating what appears to be a stable river channel with meanders, and runs of riffles and pools. The river does
appear to be stabilizing several feet south of it's location shown on the permit maps. It is expected that the river channel
will move around in this area, especially in years of very high runoff when the river cuts away and deposits material at will.
Vegetation is becoming established on gravel bars in the river.
The mine identification sign and affected area markers were in place and in compliance.
The current financial warranty was submitted per the reclamation cost estimate calculated in April 1999. This estimate
was based on reclamation of the entire site, including riverbank grading and revegetation of the entire site, excluding pond
and river surfaces. Since Stage 2 has not been affected by mining operations and Stage 3 has been mined, graded,
topsoiled, and seeded, and the reclamation cost estimate was calculated less than two years ago, the current financial
warranty appears to be adequate to reclaim the site.
The Reclamation Plan for this site consists of grading and planting cottonwood and Russian olive seedlings within two years
of completion of mining in each stage. The operator is commended for the additional efforts of placing growth medium
on the perimeter of Stage 3 and seeding this area. However, two years have past since this stage was mined and it does
not appear that the tree seedlings have been planted. Please ensure the required tree seedlings are planted by late spring
of 2001. As stated in previous inspection reports for this site, DMG recommends that Delta sand and Gravel submit a
revision to the permit requesting that the requirement far Russian olive seedlings be changed to a require a more desirable
native tree species that would benefit wildlife.
The Stage 3 revegetation effort has had minimal success. The operator is encouraged to take representative soil samples
from the area and have them analyzed to determine if soil amendments may be necessary to improve vegetative
establishment success.
No noxious weeds were noted at this site.
SE/4 SE/4 Sec. 31, T13S, R91 W, 6th P.M.
Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Steve Shuey at the Division's Durango Field Office. The address
is; Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301, phone no. 970-247-5062.
I & E Contact Address
NAME Mike Rioo
OPERATOR Delta Sand and Gravel
STREET P. 0. Box 103
CITY/STATE/ZIP Delta. Colorado 81446
cc: Tom Gillis, DMG
~' CE Randy Snyder - G. J. Office
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