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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1977-062 INSPECTION DATE 11-20-2002 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted as part of DMG's ongoing monitoring program for permitted mines in Colorado. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. No significant infestations of noxious weeds were noted on site. No significant erosional features were noted on the affected areas of the site. The critical area revegetation along J-35 Road has been almost entirely unsuccessful. This was noted as a problem in the June 8, 1997 inspection report and has yet to be remedied, The hot, dry microclimate of these southwest facing slopes makes this area a challenge to revegetate. However, Benson Brothers must take whatever measures are necessary to stabilize this slope. Please submit a plan to establish vegetation on this slope. Most likely this plan will need to be submitted as a technical revision to the permit, because the current plan has proven to be inadequate. It is suggested that soil sampling be conducted and submitted for analysis to determine what fertilizers or amendments may be necessary to establish vegetation on this slope. A tank fed drip irrigation system may also be necessary to help give the root systems of the required seedling plantings established enough so these plantings can survive after irrigation is removed. Pocking this slope with an excavator bucket, prior to seeding, mulching and tackifier application may also improve success of revegetation efforts. The lack of success in establishing revegetation on these slopes is noted as a problem, with corrective actions and a corrective action due date, on the last page of this report.. Failure to correct this problem in a timely manner could leave DMG no choice but to pursue an enforcement action regarding this issue. Rule 3.1.3 requires that each phase of reclamation be completed within 5 years of it s commencement. Revegetation of this slope has been in process for over 5 years. Significant measures to establish vegetation on this slope must now be demonstrated to show due diligence in reclaiming this area. In an effort to ensure the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim this site per the requirements of the approved reclamation plan, DMG has updated the reclamation cost estimate (copy enclosed). Clearly, the site is currently under-bonded. Therefore, pursuant to Section3432.5-117(4) of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act, adequate financial warranty must be submitted to DMG within 60 days of the mailing date of this report. Please review the enclosed figures as soon as possible and contact our office if any calculation errors are noted. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Steve Shuey at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3`" Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone number 970-243-6368. I & E Contact Address NAME Edward Benson OPERATOR Benson Brothers STREET 2134 J-50 Road CITY/STATE/ZIP Austin, Colorado 81410 cc: Carl Mount -DMG Denver ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CHI ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH) ^ OTHER