INSPEC10001

• Permit No: M1989120
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 8/5/2002
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DMG
• To: Aggregate Industries - WCR Inc.
• Inspection Date: 6/17/2002
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

(Page 2)
MINE ID # OR PROS PJE TING ID # M- S9-~.~~
INSPECTION DATE 4/I7~Qot
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS
1. A site inspection of the Platte Valley Pit was conducted as a follow-up to the previous
inspection by the Division on May 30, 2002. The inspection was conducted as part of the
Division's on-going investigation of recent citizen complaints alleging possible impacts
to groundwater users east of the Platte Valley Pit. Also present during the inspection
were the following: Jamie Gaboriau and Tony Warren of Aggregate Industries, Bill Warmack
of the Applegate Group, and Kevin Rein of the Office of the State Engineer.
2. A brief discussion was held with Mr. Warren regarding the operation of the de-watering
system at the mine. Mr. Warren indicated that up until the date of inspection,
approximately 1/3 of exposed groundwater pumped from the pit had been routed to the water
ski lake immediately east of Highway 85 and 2/3 had been routed back to the South Platte
River. At the time of inspection the operator was routing 2/3 of de-watering flows to the
water ski lake and 1/3 to the South Platte River. Mr. Warren indicated that there are no
gauges on the de-watering pumps. The operator has been operating the pumps at full
capacity,
3. Measurements of the active pit disturbance, process water ponds, and holding ponds were
taken via pacing and by using a 300' measuring tape. The results of each disturbance
category are summarized below. Specific measurements of the various disturbances are
depicted on pages 3 and 4 of this report. Based on these measurements, site
observations, and 2001 Annual Report acreage, the Division estimates the following
disturbances at the Platte Valley Pit at the time of inspection:
6.56 acres
18.97 acres
4.71 acres
8.00 acres
1.00 acres
39.24 Acres
of water surface
of pit excavation
stripped of topsoil
of plant site
of access road
of total disturbance
4. The Platte Valley Pit is permitted for a total of 141 acres and approved for a maximum
disturbance at any one time of 29.5 acres, of which 8.0 acres is pit disturbance. The
mining and reclamation plans specify a phased mining approach with concurrent reclamation.
The $95,000 financial warranty required by the Division is based on these criteria. Based
on these criteria and the disturbed acreage noted above in Item 3, it is likely that the
Platte Valley Pit is not adequately bonded at this time. The Division considers this
matter to be problem that will require corrective actions. Please see page 5 for details.
5. An altimeter reading was taken at the water ski lake immediately east of Highway 85 and
near the Platte Valley Pit. The water level was estimated by this inspector to be 18-20'
below the crest of Highway 85. The manager of the water ski lake was present and
mentioned that the lake is 25 acres in size (2150' x 500'), and averages 15-18' in depth.
The manager also mentioned that the current water surface elevation is approximately 1'
below the normal water surface elevation for this time of year. The water ski lake water
level has been supported by inflows from de-watering activities at the Platte Valley Pit.
6. A private discussion was also held with Tom Brancucci and Tom Sasaki at the offices of
Golden West Farms. Four (4) nearby irrigation wells were then inspected and various
observations and measurements were noted'by Mr. Rein of the Office of the State Engineer.