INSPEC05031

• Permit No: M1986079
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: DMG MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 2/27/1998
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• (Page 2)
• MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-86-079
INSPECTION DATE_February 27, 1998 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS
OBSERVATIONS
1. A site inspection was made in response to a citizen complaint filed by the landowner, Ms.
Pollyanna F. Mann. The complaint was filed in regard to the timing of reclamation and the
operator's compliance with the approved reclamation plan.
2. The M&G Pit is permitted for 109 acres of disturbance. The reclamation plan specifies the
creation of a lake with a stable, vegetated shoreline. The north end of the mining area will
be backfilled with overburden and reject material to create a stable surface for the possible
development of homesites. The operator has posted a financial warranty of $396,000 in the
form of a Deed of Trust for this site as well as 7 others. The Deed of Trust serves as the
bonding instrument for the following permits: M-86-079, M-79-165, M-77-526, M-77-011, M-78-
255, M-81-096, and M-83-033. The Division will evaluate the reclamation cost and adequacy
of the existing financial warranty within the next 60 days.
3. Approximately 100 acres of the M&G Pit have been mined and partially reclaimed. There are
approximately 6-8 acres left to be mined at the existing plant site. The operator indicated
that the plant site will be removed within the next 90 days and mining will begin in the
remaining 6-8 acres. The north end of the mine is being used as a large settling pond and
is nearly filled in with sediment. This area has become zi good habitat for waterfowl and is
being used extensively by a variety of bird species. Volunteer riparian vegetation has
already become established in portions of the north shor~~line. Mr. O'Brian indicated that
the operator would prefer to have this area reclaimed to a wetland rather than to backfill
for the purpose of creating homesites. This inspector agrees that a wetland would be a good
post-mining land use for this portion of the permit area. However, in order to accommodate
such a request the operator will need to submit a request for a technical revision to the
mining and reclamation plan. The technical revision app.Lication should specify the number
of acres involved, where and how the north and west overburden piles will be used during
final reclamation, and verify that the operator and/or l~sndowner has adequate water rights
to allow such a use. Until such time that a technical 7~evision is submitted the Division
will need to require a financial warranty adequate to cover the cost of backfilling the north
area as specified in the approved reclamation plan.
4. Mr. O'Brian indicated that the operator has a temporary substitute supply plan and the
landowner has an approved augmentation plan for evaporative loss at the M&G Pit. According
to the Office of the State Engineer, there are applications for both a temporary substitute
supply plan and an augmentation plan for the M & G Pit on file and pending review. Neither
application has been approved. Therefore, until such time that adequate water rights are
demonstrated, the Division will include in the reclamation cost evaluation a cost for
backfilling the pit to an elevation 2 feet above the water table and for revegetation of the
surface.
5. The reclamation plan specifies that grading will be carried on to create topography
similar to pre-mining conditions. The lake shoreline will be graded to a 3:1 slope from the
existing ground level to 10 feet below the water surface, then to a 2:1 slope to the bottom
of the lake.
6. Reclamation tasks to be completed are as follows:
A. Dismantle plant site (approximately 80 hrs. labor), remove 7 flatbed trailer loads of
tires &/or non-roadable equipment.