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.~~ <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br /> <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during <br />the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the <br />facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This partial inspection of the Arness-McGriffen Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson <br />from the DMG Durango office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO <br />81301, phone (970) 247-5193. The permit for the Arness-McGriffen Mine was <br />revoked over 5 years ago. Financial warranty was forfeited and utilized for final <br />reclamation. <br />Evidence of erosion was evident in road side drainage ditches and on driving surface of <br />mine access road. Drainage relief cut in road side drainage ditch, located near switch <br />back turn in access road, has conveyed concentrated drainage onto reclaimed slopes. <br />Concentrated drainage has eroded backfilled slopes, resulting in 2' deep gully, <br />approximately 15' in length. Gully outlets to lower portion of access road. Evidence of <br />recent vehicle traffic was observed on access road. Jeep traffic has short cut the <br />switch-back turn, resulting in additional destabilization of reclaimed areas. Musk thistle <br />and Canadian thistle were established at switch-back turn area. <br />Backfilled slopes at portal area appeared stable. Recreationist have utilized backfilled <br />slopes to test climbing ability of their jeeps. Jeep traffic on reclaimed slopes have <br />adversely affected reclamation vegetation. Evidence of excessive erosion was not <br />observed on the backfilled portal area, but is inevitable if jeep traffic persist. <br />Reclamation vegetation was well established. <br />