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(Page 21 MINE ID If OR PROSPECTING ID # M-76-020 INSPECTION DATE 6-30-2000 INSPEC:TOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This was a routine partial inspection conducted in accordance with the Division of Minerals and Geology monitoring program for permitted mines in Colorado. This inspection was also conducted to survey current site conditions for use in updating the reclamation cost estimate for this site, and the financial warranty if necessary. The site is currently inactive and appears to have been for some time. All but a few small stockpiles of gravel; have been removed from site, leaving the processing area as a flat graveled pad. A few small piles of what appears to be imported fill have been dumped at the north end of the processing area. If this fill is to be used as permanent backfill on site, the operator will need to submit a notice as required by rule 3.1.519). The shop area appears to be currently used for storage of agricultural equipment. Fuel tanks have apparently been removed from site. Two empty underground storage tanks remain on the surface in the bone yard, as well :is three mixer drums and a bunch of miscellaneous scrap steel. The mine identification sign is in compliance, but affected area boundary markers need replaced around the sediment pond. The sediment pond has been partially cleaned out apparently since it was last used for settling out wash water. The cleanings are stockpiled around the sediment pond perimeter. The ditch to the sediment pond was inspected and found to be silting in in a few places where brush has clogged the ditch. Prior to operation of a wash plant at this location, the ditch needs to be cleaned out to prevent over-topping and discharge to the Animas River. The south dredge hole appears to be filling in from the north end. Approximately the north 1 /3 to 'I /2 of this pit shows gravel across the width of the channel, just under the surface of the water. The south face of this filled in area drops off sharply into the remaining portion of the south pit. Willows are becoming established on the shalloN areas of the north end of the south pit. A majority of the Animas River flow is directed into the south pit. The north end of the stockpile/processing area appears to be lower in elevation than the southern end of this area. This results in a situation where runoff from the north end cannot flow down the sediment control ditch to the sediment pond. A swale, located approximately 50 yards south of the north pit, currently catches runoff from approximately 15 - 20 percent of the stockpile/processing area and directs it to the Animas River without firs[ passing through any sediment control structures. The operator needs to either regrade the site to ensure drainage from all affected areas is directed to the already approved sediment control structures, or submit and receive Division approval of a technical revision addressing incorporation of a sediment control structure that will be used to adequately treat the drainage from this north area prior to discharge from the site. No evidence of significant sediment loading to the Animas River was noted. The area that drains to this swale is predominantly a well graveled surface at this time, but a couple piles of imported old asphalt and dirt have been dumped here. The reclamation cost estimate for this site is due for an update. The Division will be recalculating the estimate in the near future and will forward it to the operator upon completion. The operator will have 60 days from the date the calculation is mailed to submit, and receive Division approval of, any additional financial warranty required by that calculation. On August 28, 1995, the operator received approval of Technical Revision No. 1 which included a commitment to conduct and submit annual stream channel surveys for the Animas River and pit areas at the Thomas Pit location. Review of the Division's files indicates that these survey results have not been submitted since the original baseline surveys in 1995. Please submit the survey results for 1996 through 1999. Also, submit a report that includes analysis of the survey data and an evaluation of how the requirements of Rule 3.1.6, regarding minimization of impacts to the hydrologic balance, are being complied with.