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MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2006-008 INSPECTION DATE: 3-7-06 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal application review program established by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. The Russell Ranch Pit is a proposed 110c operation located on the top of a mesa south /southeast of Meeker, Colorado on private land. Mr. Ben Rogers, representative Russell Ranch General Partnership accompanied the inspector on site. The Public Notice at the proposed entrance was posted correctly per Rule 1.6.2(1)(b). Proposed permit boundaries were marked with flagged grade stake or PVC pipe. The inspector noted in the Preliminary Adequacy Review (PAR) that the proposed access road to the site might have to be included in the permit boundaries. A visual inspection of the existing road and proposed changes in grade confirm that the road will in deed have to be included in the boundaries. The applicant wishes to maintain the 1 I Oc status of the application, which is at the maximum 9.9 acres. Therefore, the application will have to be amended to adjust the boundaries into accommodate the acreage of the road. The amendment will require a new map showing the proposed road corridor as part of the permit boundaries. Also, it should note the imgation ditch crossing. The new map with a cover letter should be sent to Division staffas well as placed at the County CIerk's Office. This will also require republication in the newspaper, which should note that: "the amendment covers the omission of the proposed access road and therefore a reconfiguration of the permit boundaries. All other parts of the application remain as originally submitted." Unfortunately, this also affects the Decision Date, which was originally set for March 17`h, 2006. The new Decision Date will be 30 days from the submission of the amended map and cover letter to Division staff. However, if all issues aze clarified or corrected, staffmay issue a decision anytime after the Public comment period, which is 10 days after the Publication in the newspaper. The proposed pit area is on the top of a mesa. Vegetation is primarily sagebrush and rabbit brush. Some cheat grass, native wheatgrass and ricegrass were noted on site. The inspector did not observe any noxious weed species, however, the entire site was not walked. Topsoil appears to range from 0 to 12 inches of cover. There are some pre-disturbed areas on and next to the proposed site. A small excavation of a'/< to half acre is noted outside the permit boundaries near the western property line fence. On site a small area of less than a '/< acre is noted in the southeast comer of the permit area. These disturbances are noted in case there are any questions of disturbance outside the permit boundaries at a later date. The inspector notes no utilities, structures or other features that have been omitted from the application other than the proposed road. No other issues are noted at this time. After the inspector receives the response to the PAR a bond calculation should be able to be completed. The time frames for a decision depend upon the applicant's submission of the amendment and republication dates. If, the amendment materials cannot be delivered to the inspector by March 16`h, 2006 a written request for an extension of the original Decision Date must be received by fax or mail no later than 5:00 on the 17`h. Otherwise by Rule, the application will have to be denied and the process including fees started over. Staff will be in contact with the applicant on or near these dates to ensure that this is not necessary.