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Pa e 2 <br />MINE ID # OR M-1977-392 INSPECTION DATE: 619/2006 INSPECTOR'S ~R <br />~ PROSPECTING ID #: INITIALS: <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring and enforcement inspection process that the <br />Division of Minerals and Geology (Division) carries out on all permitted mines in Colorado at least once every <br />four years. Chris Rowe from the Division carried out the inspection; also present was Mr. Albert Templeton The <br />Denver Brick (Operator) representative. The mine is located 8 miles east of Kiowa <br />This is a 42.35-acre clay mine, with 7.35 acres amended to the site in 2003. The access road runs through the <br />site and continues on to the Bijou Clay mine. There were no current excavations observed during the <br />inspection. There is at least one clay stockpile. Two areas were undergoing reclamation. An approximately 3- <br />acre area on the south end of the permit had recently been regraded, but not yet topsoiled or revegetated. <br />There was only a small topsoil pile present that was insufficient to cover the reclaimed area (Rule 3.1.9 <br />Topsoiling). The reclaimed area is composed of a claystone, weathered claystone, and clay. This may be a <br />sufficient growth medium, but may require the addition of an organic matter source and possibly nutrients. The <br />Division suggests that the Operator do a soil analysis to determine what amendments would be needed to <br />ensure adequate reclamation. <br />The northern mine area had been reclaimed, topsoiled and revegetated. This 8.39-acre area was generally in <br />good shape with a couple of exceptions. There was Knapweed moving into the site. There were a few bare <br />areas, particularly toward the southwest corner. Livestock were observed currently grazing the site; this site is <br />located on State Land Board land and apparently there is grazing lease right over the top of the mine permit. If <br />grazing is compromising the success of the revegetation effort, the Operator may need to restrict grazing during <br />initial plant establishment as provided in Rule 3.1.10(4). <br />Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), a state listed noxious weed, continues to be problem on and around the <br />mine site (Rule 3.1.10(6)). Areas of concern are along the road both within the permitted site as well as along <br />the access road, but the Knapweed continues to spread around the side. The Operator does have an active <br />weed control plan, but this plan may not be adequate for controling the current Knapweed outbreak. The <br />Division suggests that the Operator review there 2!25!2000 weed control plan and determine if it is adequate to <br />control the Knapweed. This will be listed as a problem in the next section. <br />The mine site was othervvise in good shape. The current bond is set at $80,358; this should be sufficient to <br />complete the reclamation on the mine site. <br />Enforcement and Inspection Contact Address <br />NAME: Albert Templeton <br />OPERATOR: The Denver Brick Company <br />STREET: 410 Prairie Hawk Dr. <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP: Castle Rock, CO 80104 <br />cc: <br />U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CO Hazardous Materials and Waste Division <br />U.S. Bureau of Land Management CO State Engineers Office <br />U.S. Forest Service CO Water Quality Control Division <br />CO Department of Transportation X OTHER: State Land Board <br />