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<br />August 1, 1996 <br />Western Fuels Utah, Inc. <br />Deserado Mine <br />P.O. Box 1067 <br />Rangely, CO 81648 <br />Special focus inspection (Contemporaneous reclamation ) <br />July 25, 1996 <br />Inspection participants: <br />Gordon Bell, Western Fuels <br />Dan Matthews, CO/DMG <br />Henry Austin, OSM/DFD <br />I participated in a joint, special focus inspection of the above facility with Mr. Matthews of the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG), and I represented the Office of Surface <br />Mining (OSM), Denver Field Division (DFD). The contemporaneous reclamation special focus <br />topic was selected to be evaluated this year by the DMG/OSM Oversight Team. This process was <br />explained to Mr. Bell, Western Fuels-Utah (WFU), who accompanied us during the inspection. <br />Prior to the inspection Glen Golden, DFD, and myself reviewed applicable portions of the <br />approved permit. This review was partially based on information supplied to us by DMG, and the <br />results of our review were discussed with Mr. Matthews on July 24, 1996, at the DMG Grand <br />Junction Field Office. <br />Weather conditions during the inspection were clear and dry with ground conditions very dry <br />throughout the mine. We began the inspection by walking and making general observations of the <br />four refuse disposal areas on the mine. Our contemporaneous reclamation focus was limited to an <br />evaluation of the refuse disposal areas, however, it is noteworthy that the permittee has done a <br />good job of reclaiming ancillary construction project development areas. Refuse area haulroads <br />were also well surfaced and maintained. Refuse area (RA) 1 was the first area inspected. This area <br />was completed and reclaimed in 1990. The area was covered with 4 feet of subsoil/topsoil and <br />test plots were established to vary cover depth from 1 to 4 feet. Results of this cover depth study <br />have recently been reviewed by DMG and a deficiency letter was provided to WFU dated June <br />14, 1996. In summary, DMG is requesting additional soil profile sampling to examine upward <br />migration of salts from the refuse. This sampling information will assist DMG in determining if <br />any reduction in the 4 foot cover requirement is justified at this site, given the nature of the refuse <br />and test plot information submitted to date. Mr. Matthews has requested that the additional soil <br />sampling be conducted this field season. Generally, RA-1 is poorly revegetated being dominated <br />by annual weedy species with scattered areas of perennial seeded species. There is little to no <br />erosion evident on the pile, however, in both the diversion ditches and on pile outslopes. Mr. <br />Matthews has recommended that the permittee submit a comprehensive plan for reseeding of <br />RA-1 this year with the plan to be implemented during 1997. <br />