INSPEC10358

• Permit No: C1981039
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DMG
• Inspection Date: 8/24/2004
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations
made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during
the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This was a partial inspection conducted by Janet Binns of CDMG and Mitch Rollings of OSMRE-DFD . The
Grassy Gap mine is a reclaimed surface mine. The mine permit and reclamation liability bond have been revoked
by DMG. The purpose of the inspection is for a Special Focus Oversight Inspection evaluating offsite impacts of
revoked mine sites.
Signs & Markers : DMG informational signs remains at intersection between Pit 2/3 road and Pit 5/6 road and
along the Pit 4 road. Main entrance gate at Routt County Road No. 27 was locked. DMG has been provided
with the current combination by Cross Mountain Ranch. The Division left the gate locked when leaving the
property.
Roads : The access road to Pit 5 and 6 remains in good condition, The access road to Pits 2/3 has developed
gullies from runoff and spring water flow. The road to Pits 2/3 was driven all the way to the reclaimed pits.
Flow Form the spring along Pit 2/3 access road is very reduced and ahnost dry. Pit 4 access road remains drivable
the entire way to the pit. Access road to Pit 1 was gullied but could have been driven.
Hvdroloeic Balance: Pit 5 spoil spring flow is reduced to a trickle. The Pit 5 spring pool is stagnant. Pond 5
was dischazging at a trickle. No additional slumping of the pond cut slope, or of the pond inlet was appazent.
The springs usually flowing alongside Pit 4 access road were dry. Pond 4 was holding a small pool of water well
below the outlet elevation.
Reveeetation: Vegetation in Pits 5 and 6 aze in fair condition. Cross Mountain Ranch, the surface landowner,
has grazed Pits 4, 2/3, 5 and 6 since the Division's last inspection in July 2004. A large herd of sheep were .
grazing on Pit 4. The Pit 4 azea adjacent to Pond 4 appeazed heavily grazed. Sheepdogs were present with the
sheep. The inspectors did not travel this pit on foot to avoid disturbing the livestock. Pit 1 cover looked dry.
Livestock grazing in pit 1 was not evident. Pits 2 & 3 vegetative cover was fair. Vegetation was dominated by
intermediate wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass and smooth brome, with sagebrush invading from the reclaimed area
edges. Though some weedy species were present, weed infestation did not appear to be a problem.
Slides: No new slides were noted. The old slide to the west of pond 4 is healing and is almost hidden by
vegetation. No new gullies or erosional features were noted.
Offsite Impacts: In a few locations, at the base of Pit 1, downslope of Pit 2, along the southeast drainage
boundary of Pit 5, and in the northern collection ditch at Pit 4, there was evidence of old gully scars. None of
these gullies appeared to be active since they either had vegetation growing in them or well-compacted sediment.
There were no concerns with off-site impacts.
OSM had requested bond Release History information. The Division was able to find the following information
On 10/5/90 -Partial Phase II Bond release of reduction for 15.22 acres on Pit No. 4, Bond
amount released $437,696.00
On 1/6/92 -Partial Phase I/II Bond release or reduction for 52 acres on Pit No. 4, bond amount
released $40,033.00
On 12/22/92 -Partial Approval release of $59,271.00 of the bond.