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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-ig~R-ns~ <br />INSPECTION DATE: n3/i~/ns INSPECTOR=S INITIALS: ~_ <br />1. A site inspection of the Durham Pit was made to verify the progress made in installation of the "interim flood control <br />measures" to eliminate the potential for adverse impacts to buildings owned and operated by Bliss Produce Company on <br />the north side of the Cache La Poudre River during a 100-year Flood event. Present during the inspection was Chris Varra <br />and Brad Janes of Varra Companies Inc. and Chris Pauley of Anderson Consulting Engineers. <br />2. The operator has elected to install a spillway in the far western portion of the existing flood control berm as an interim <br />measure to eliminate the potential for adverse Flooding impacts to the Bliss structures. The spillway will be 475 feet long <br />and approximately 3 feetin depth. The operator had received verbal approval from the Division on March 11, 2005 to <br />begin construction of the spillway. At the time of inspection, this inspector estimated the spillway construction to be 80% <br />completed. The operator indicated that the construction should be completed within the next 24 hours. The construction <br />of the spillway consists of "cutting" a notch to grade in the existing berm. The average depth of cut was estimated to be <br />3 feet, with depth of cut ranging from 1 to 5 feet. Surveyors were on site to ensure proper depth of cut. A technical <br />revision has been submitted to the Division for review which provides the engineering details of the spillway installation <br />and verification that the reduced height of the expected 100-year Flood surface will be below the foundation elevation of <br />the Bliss structures on the north side of the Cache La Poudre River. In conjunction with the spillway cut, the operator was <br />also reducing the berm between various mined cells at the Durham Pit to facilitate eastward flow of Floodwaters as they <br />pass through the Durham Pit and exit eastward during a 100-year flooding scenario. A substantial volume of earth <br />material was being moved and backfilled into the western most pond at the Durham Pit. Mr. Varra estimated upwards of <br />100,000 cubic yards of material were being moved the then backfilled. <br />3. A discussion was held regarding the expected flow path of floodwaters as they pass through the Durham Pit during a <br />100-year Flood scenario. Mr. Pauley verified that the anticipated floodwaters will Flow through the Durham Pit unimpeded <br />and will be able to safely discharge eastward. It is important to note that during a potential 100-year Flood scenario, the <br />entire area will be under water. Mr. Pauley also verified that the expected Flood water velocities will be relatively low, <br />approximately 2-3 feet per second, as they exit to the east. For the interim measures, there is no expectation or need for <br />a spillway structure at the eastern most portion of the Durham Pit. <br />4. This inspector estimated the grade or elevation of the 475 foot spillway to be approximately 5 feet above the current <br />water surface of the river, 7 feet above the channel invert, and 8-10 feet below the top of north bank of the Cache La <br />Poudre River. There is a narrow band of riparian vegetation including grasses, sedges, shrubs, and trees between the <br />channel invert and the spillway. The spillway has been strategically located to capture or spill floodwaters onto the <br />Durham Pit "overbank area" with minimal disturbance to the existing riparian vegetation. The operator has committed to <br />maintain the spillway in good working condition prior to, during, and after a Flood event. The Division confirms, via this <br />spillway construction, that the expected Flood waters will enter onto, Flow through, and exit the Durham Pit in a controlled <br />manner. The goal of eliminating the potential for adverse Flood impacts to the Bliss structures should also be achieved. <br />5. Mr. Pauley verified that the spillway plans had been reviewed by Flood control experts with Weld County and approval <br />for construction of the spillway had been obtained. <br />6. Digital photographs were taken and are attached to this report. <br />