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iPage 21 MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1977-215 INSPECTION DATE 8/26/03 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Hard Rock and Metals 112 permits. The operator was contacted about arranging a time for the inspection. The operator'srepresentatives named on page one were present throughout the inspection. Representing the USFS/BLM was Ms. Diane Gese, who was present during most of the inspection. Recent earthwork has been carried out in an effort to improve water quality in Windy Gulch, as well as improve the revegetation. These activities were approved under Technical Revisions TR-11 and TR-12. Several areas of the site were inspected to verify the adequate completion of these activities. The required permit ID information was included on an interpretive sign posted at the county-owned office building, adjacent to the former location of the 93601evel mill facility. The 9360 portal was pneumatically backfilled after the hydraulic bulkhead was found to be functioning as required. The sloped portal site has now been backfiNed and graded with large riprap from the 9700 level. The sloped area will not be topsoiled and seeded. The top surface of the 9360 level dump has been cleaned up and is closer to being fully reclaimed. Debris and irrigation system piping have been removed, positive drainage into the gulch has been re-established, topsoil has been added to the surface, the access road has been barricaded with an earth berm, the road has been ripped, and the road and dump have been seeded (late June 2003). Precipitation during the month prior to the inspection has resulted insignificant germination of the new seed. If the revegetation turns out to be adequate and grading does not erode, the surface work performed may not have to be redone. Excess riprap at the site was used to berm the crest of the dump slope. This dump area will continue to be monitored for stability. The 9360 dump area contains a couple patches of Canada thistle, which do not yet show much evidence of having been treated. The operator is aware of the patches and has a weed control plan for the site, so this is not considered a problem at this time. However, the weeds must be closely monitored and treated in a timely manner if they are to be controlled effectively. It would not be unreasonable to consult a weed control specialist in the area to determine if the chemical presently is the best, or if another control method could be used in combination with the present plan. The operator wants to remove the two vadose zone piezometers at this dump. These shallow monitoring points were used only during the time the infiltration trench was in effect, and did not actually act as wells. The locations were dry in recent years, and all water quality monitoring from these locations has been finished. The Division sees no need to maintain them. Before actual removal, the operator should inform this office in writing of the intent and methods by which it is to be done. The 9360 level riprapped channel and buried bypass line were inspected. The visible portions of the cutoff wall, manhole vents and the concrete outlet box were completed according to the plan. There was no flow through the bypass line during the inspection. The slope grading and riprapping in the channel appeared to be finished according to the approved plan also. There were a few pieces of debris which have become revealed on the new surfaces, and the operator will remove them. The 9700 level dump and portal areas were inspected. The portal had previously been closed by backfilling, but the surface slope grading needed to be improved. It now appeared to be adequate. The concrete transformer station pad had been rubblized and removed, and the overhead electric line was shortened by one or two poles. The remaining electric service does not belog to the operator, and will remain to serve other property owners in the area. A significant amount of debris has been removed from the dump slopes, and the minor amounts still present will also be removed by the operator. The opening to the Cleveland Tunnel (historic opening upslope from the trandfarmer pad) has been closed and graded. The concrete cupoff wall, buried bypass line, concrete outlet box and channel riprapping all appear to have been completed according to the approved plan. The gulch slopes have been graded to be more gentle and uniform, and much mineralized material formerly on the surface is now gone. Topsoil was also spread on the dump slopes here. Germination is spotty, but is still young (site seeded in early July 2003). The upper tailings dam and pond were viewed from a distance, which was adequate since the site has not been active for years and reclamation is well underway.