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(Page 2) <br /> MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-77-319 <br /> INSPECTION DATE O1/11/95 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO <br /> OBSERVATIONS <br /> This inspection was scheduled by the Division as a follow up to a previous inspection (dated <br /> 9/15/94) from which several questions arose about the permitted operation. The operator was <br /> contacted about the inspection, but ground conditions did not allow access to the site. The <br /> following items were discussed with the operator at the office and processing plant offsite. <br /> The prior problem of no record of a Stormwater Management Plan has been abated. Written <br /> contact was received by the Division on 11/28/94, noting the SWMP permit number (COG 500746) . <br /> The actual areas of activity under this permit, compared with inactive portions of the permit <br /> area, and compared to adjacent pre-law disturbance outside the permit, were clarified. The <br /> west pit is the one actively mined under this permit, though the east one is also in the <br /> permit area. The operator stated that the east pit and its separate access road have not <br /> been disturbed since the permit was issued. This matches the observations made during the <br /> last inspection. <br /> The active west pit is to be minimally reclaimed, according to the approved plan in the <br /> files, and according to the operator's statements. The pit is to be left open, and highwalls <br /> not reduced. The pit floor will be shaped to provide positive drainage from the pit. The <br /> majority of earthwork will be to push material against the toe of the highwalle, creating 2:1 <br /> or gentler slopes. The piles of topsoil and overburden adjacent to the pit on the north side <br /> will be used for this backfilling and to cover the regraded portions of the pit. <br /> The west pit floor is generally on one level, except for a small area at the east end, which <br /> is about 15 feet higher. The pit receives drainage from non-pit areas within the permit <br /> area. There has been some erosion across the step between these levels, though no material <br /> appears to be moving beyond the foot of the step. Reclamation should address stability of <br /> this feature too, possibly by directing all drainage into one or two channels, making the <br /> step gentler, and placing riprap in the new channels. Riprap material might be obtained from <br /> the area of large rocks immediately east of the west pit, in the permit area. <br /> The west end, where all drainage from the west pit ultimately goes, has a well established <br /> sediment pond existing. It is not known if it has sufficient capacity for controlling the <br /> runoff from a 10-year, 24-hour event. The operator should provide measurements of this <br /> structure to the Division, for use in determining its sufficiency or possible need for more <br /> capacity. This will also be necessary for calculating a bond amount. Relevant information <br /> should include length, width and depth, plus any notes about a spillway apron or culvert. <br /> The access road into the pit is a short spur off an existing ranch road. The ranch road will <br /> remain after reclamation. Revegetation is to be from seeding grass and forb species, and <br /> planting of seedling trees and shrubs. The operator stated that seedling planting has been <br /> tried numerous times, but with little success due to several factors. However, natural tree <br /> and shrub regeneration has been good on the site. It appears that, overall, the required <br /> average number of trees per acre has been met. Successful seeding will be best accomplished <br /> by conscientious handling and distribution of available topsoil. Though the perlite makes <br /> a good growing medium, its white color prevents a significant .degree of grass and forb <br /> growth. More surface covered with topsoil will result in better revegetation. This was <br /> discussed because of the bond and because operator stated that reclamation may start in the <br /> next few years. When revised bond figures are calculated, they will sent to the operator for <br /> review. <br /> I & E Contact Address cc: Jim Stevens/DMG <br /> ❑ CE <br /> NAME Ethel M Steiner ❑ BL <br /> OPERATOR Persolite Products Inc ❑ FS <br /> STREET P O Box 105 ❑ HW <br /> CITY/STATE/ZIP Florence CO 81226 ❑ HMWMD (CH) <br /> ❑ SE <br /> ❑ WQCD (CH) <br /> ❑ OTHER <br />