INSPEC11911

• Permit No: M1976020
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 1/14/2002
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 12/5/2001
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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MINE ID a OR PROSPECTING ID tl M-1976-020
INSPECTION DATE 12/5/01
OBSERVATIONS

INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE
This inspection occurred in response to operator request to discuss future mining and reclamation activities
at the Thomas Pit. Lesley McWhirter with the Corps of Engineers and Sean Moore with Sugnet & Associates
(environmental consultants) were present. The Thomas Pit is located approximately 12 miles north of
Durango, in portions of the SW '/+ of the SE %, of Section 25, and in portions of the W %: of the NE '/, of
Section 36, both in T37N, R9W, NMPM, La Plata County. The operation is approved for extraction of alluvial
sand and gravel from a side channel along the west side of the Animas River and iron-i a pit area located
adjacent to the west bank of the river channel. The permit is also approved for material processing to include
washing, screening, crushing and concrete production. The Thomas Pit is approved for 29.9 acres affected
area, DMG holds 526,295 financial warranty.
Permit Records The original permit was issued on 7/22/77 to Animas Aggregates for x:5.4 acres affected
area. The original permit was approved for approximately 16 acres excavation area, from the North and South
pits, and approximately 10 acres processing yard. During 1981, DMG approved AM-01, ;adding 4.4 acres to
the processing area, total affected area increased to 29.8 acres. On 8128195, DMG approved TR-01, requiring
that the operator limit excavations to 6,645' elevation and submit annual surveys of the pit areas. On
7/31/96, DMG approved SO-01 for Mountain Gravel & Construction Company as successor operator, financial
warranty was approved at 526,295. On 5/29/01, DMG approved SO-02 for Four Corner:> Materials, Inc., as
successor operator.
Site Conditions Mining and processing activities appeared dormant. Mine identification sign and permit
boundary markers were posted. Site appeared stable, evidence of slumping, slope failure cr excessive erosion
to the excavation areas or the processing yard were not observed. DMG has received the annual survey,
required under TR-01, from the 11/4/00 survey. Please submit the annual survey for 2001 operating year.
Proposed Amendment The operator presented copy of a draft map, prepared by Greg Lewicki and dated
12!4/01, to introduce the concept of the proposed amendment. The operator desires to expand the SW
corner of the permit area to allow material excavation from the inactive floodplain area located above the
ordinary highwater elevation. Reclamation of the excavation will result in one pond, approximately 18' deep,
4 acre surface area with 3H:1 V inslopes. DMG recommended that the amendment address the potential for
adverse impacts to the Animas River channel resulting from the proposed mining and reclamation activities,
including stabilization of the embankment area located between the excavation and the active river channel,
for storm events up to the 100 year storm.
Financial Warranty On 11/15/01, DMG calculated the cost of reclamation at 525,259. Therefore, the
existing 526,296 financial warranty is sufficient to ensure reclamation.
No problems or possible violations were observed.
I & E Contact Address
NAME Monte Potter
OPERATOR Four Corners Materials
STREET P.O. Box 2707
CITY/STATE/ZIP Durango, CO 81302
cc: Tom Gillis, DMG
x COE, Lesley McWhirter
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