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III. COMMENTS COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations <br />made dur~n9 the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during <br />the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division <br />of Minerals and Geology. This former underground mine is now reclaimed. The mine <br />has achieved a Phase II bond release for the majority of the disturt~ed area. <br />Ground conditions were dry and the weather was warm and mild. Ron lhompson of <br />Peak Project Management represented Basin Resources during the inspection. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the Tri-state railyard office on <br />the west side of Trinidad. All required records were found as detailed on the <br />attached checklist. <br />Revegetation <br />The main re la med facility area was traversed on foot. Vegetation is dry and a <br />number of ~ have occurred since the last inspection, ending the growing <br />season. Cover is generally good to excellent. Annual weeds are abundant at the <br />reclaimed portal. The pond 2 area vegetation is excellent and no rills or gullies <br />were noted in this area. Noxious weeds are few due to spraying and mechanical <br />removal. The operator continues to spot treat areas as needed. <br />Three small disturbed areas are removed from the main body of reclamation. The <br />two Apache Canyon sites were observed and found in excellent condition. The NW-1 <br />vent fan location will be re-seeded this fall due to poor establishment during the <br />original seeding effort. <br />Soil Methane Area <br />Two small circular areas slightly east and north of the reclaimed pond 4 were <br />tested for the presence of methane during the last methane monitoring session. <br />These two areas tested positive for methane in the soils. They exhibit the <br />classic symptoms of no vegetative growth and dead root materials in the shallow <br />subsurface. These two areas measure 10-20 feet in diameter and are directly west <br />of the Toupal pasture. The river separates the Toupal pasture from this area, <br />indicating that the methane is probably not migrating laterally in the terrace <br />gravels. Monitoring continues on a quarterly basis. <br />The site appeared in good condition for late-summer. No problems were noted. <br />3 <br />