_INSPECTION - M1981302 ‎(21)‎

• Permit No: M1981302
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 12/22/1994
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• (Page 2) •
MINE ID 0 OR PROSPECTING ID f M-81-302
INSPECTION DATE 12/22/94 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS
OBSERVATIONS
1. The Deeps Farm Pit was originally permitted by Flatiron Sand & Gravel Company. Then on
July 31, 1989 Western Mobile, Inc. became the successor operator. The operation is permitted
for 194.7 acres of disturbance with a financial warranty of $112,114. The designated post
mining land uses are agriculture and wildlife habitat.
2. The appearance of the Deeps Farm Pit was impressive. A significant portion of the
permitted area is in the process of being reclaimed according to the approved plan. Active
mining is occurring in the Stage 6 Area. All disturbed land surfaces appeared to be very
stable. Water quality of drainage waters appeared to be good. Road surfaces were well
maintained. It was apparent that Mr. Glasser is operating a "clean", well organized
operation. The Deepe Farm Pit is an exemplary example of how contemporaneous reclamation can
be achieved at a large alluvial site. Another significant observation made was the presence
of a variety of wildlife in the reclaimed or partially reclaimed areas. There was also a
visual berm established in the northern portion of the permitted area with a corridor of
trees and shrubs that is well suited for wildlife. Birds and animals seen during the
inspection include the following: red tailed hawk, canada geese, great blue heron, ducks
(mallards?) , mule deer, and small game.
3. The following observations were made for the various stages of the operation:
Stage 1 East 1/2 has been fully reclaimed
Stage 2 Has been reclaimed in its entirety
Stage 3 Has been backfilled & graded, will disc and seed in March, 1995
Stage 4 Mae been mined, but not yet reclaimed. Contains a eerier Of
settling ponds which are being filled with processing waste fines.
The upper pond is full of sediment and is expected to regenerate
willows and cottonwoods naturally. The lower pond is in the process
of being filled with processing waste fines. The levees of the
ponds will need minor regrading to a 3:1 elope from the current
1:1 configuration. The height of the levees is approximately 5 feet.
The length of the side slopes to be regraded was not measured.
However, this information is needed to evaluate a current
reclamation cost.
Stage 5 Has been backfilled & graded, will disc and seed in March, 1995
Stage 6 Currently disturbed, will finish mining in 1995. Will need to
regrade 1800 linear feet of a 10-foot highwall to a 3:1 slope.
(2,500 cubic yards)
4. The reclamation plan specifies the creation of 3 lakes totalling 41.5 acres of water
surface, each 35 feet deep with a shoreline elope of 4:1. Currently, there is a small lake
in the Stage 2 area and process water ponds in the Stage 1 area. Concerns for evaporative
loss regarding these lakes and ponds were originally expressed by the State Engineers Office
in 1982. Apparently, a well permit application was filed with the SEO during that time.
Recent discussions with the SEO indicate that Western Mobile, Inc. has not perfected their
well permit . Therefore, the matter of water rights adequate for evaporative loos at the
Deepe Farm Pit has not been resolved. The Division considers this to be a problem that
should be addressed no later than 5/21/95. Western Mobile, Inc. should consult with Dick
Wolfe of the State Engineers Office in Denver to discern SEO requirements to be completed.
Mr. Wolfe may be contacted at 866-3581.
5. Review of the reclamation plan for the Deepe Farm Pit indicates that there are no
provisions made for reclamation of the processing plant area. Much of the existing equipment
appears to be portable and can be transported to another site at the close of mining.