2005-07-12_INSPECTION - M1977315

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M_1977_315 INSPECTION DATE: 6/v~ /05 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: KI S OBSERVATIONS A request from the operator for final Surety Release prompted this inspection. Carl Hill and Gary Hill with Bestway Paving and Bestway's consultant, Bill Schenderlein, with Applegate Group accompanied Division inspector Kathleen Sullivan on the inspection. At the time of this inspection, 28.3 acres of the originally permitted 75-acre site remain under the reclamation permit. The permit area has been reduced from approximately 75 acres to 28.3 acres through previous revisions that included partial releases from reclamation responsibility. The permitted post- mining land use is industrial/commercial. Following the December 20, 2004, inspection and the subsequent Technical Revision approval, the remaining reclamation concerns at the site were final grading of slopes to 3H:1 V or flatter, stabilization against erosion by adding gravel to the pit floor and a gravel "cap" on or vegetation of the northwest stockpiles, and creating a buffer between the remaining stockpiles on site and the irrigation canal paralleling the northern permit boundary. This inspection revealed that pit wall and northwestern stockpile slopes (stockpiles not currently in use) average 3H:1 V and are stable. An approximately 15-foot buffer has been created between the material stockpiles and the irrigation canal. In spite of recent heavy rains, no significant erosion towards the canal or offsite impacts were detectable. However, the largely sand-covered pit floor does not meet reclamation standards as it is not considered sufficiently stable. As observable in the photos, the western slope of the pit is well vegetated. The operator indicated that the fence at the top of the pit slope is offset 10 feet from the property boundary. Instead of using gravel to stabilize a stockpile in the northwestern portion of the permit area, the stockpile was seeded with the approved seed mix earlier this year. As the photos reveal, the grass seedlings are yet small and kochia weed is the dominant vegetation on the pile. The revegetation effort does not meet the performance standard required t>y Rule 3.1.10. Although vegetation is sparse, no substantial erosion from this pile was evident, possibly due to the coarseness of the stockpile material and slopes having been graded to 3H:1 V or flatter. The only noxious weed found was bindweed, and then, only a small population existed. It is not considered a problem. The photos document that some concrete is exposed in the stockpile. This material must be removed or properly buried. The operator reported that the stockpiles in this area will be used to raise the pit floor by three to six feet for the planned residential development, once the area is released from its mining permit. However, the subdivision has not yet been approved by the City of Greeley, so there is no guarantor for further site development. Recycled asphalt is stored on site, as is various industrial equipment, consistent with the approved Reclamation Plan, as modified by the April 13, 2005 Technical Revision approval. The buildings remaining on site are also within the Reclamation Plan. The landowners are 3 H&S LLC. As part of this LLC, Carl Hill and Gary Hill, the operator, have 50% ownership of the land within the permit area. Based on this inspection, the site is not eligible for full performance and financial warranty release, so the request will be denied at this time. However, if the City of Greeley approves the final subdivision, r°lease could be granted. I & E Contact Address NAME: Mr. Carl V. Hill OPERATOR: Bestway Paving Com~y STREET: P.n.Rnx31R9 CITY/STATE/ZIP: Greelau, Cn Rn~ss cc: CE BL FS HW HMWMD (CH) SE WOCD (CH) OTHER Bill Schenderlein, P.E., Applegate Group