INSPEC21178

• Permit No: M1982129
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 4/26/1994
• Doc Name: LARRY OEHLERS INSPECTION REPORT
• To: DMG
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII •
999
P. O. Box #165
La Veta, Colorado
81055
April 26, 1994
Board of Commissioners
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room #215
Denver, Coloradc 80203
Dear Commissioners:
RE: Larry Oehler's inspection report.
In January, 1994, Mr. Goemmer, Mr. Oehler, and I toured
the Rocky Flat Gravel location and surrounding area. We
discussed different inquiries made by Mr. Oehler; he seemed
distressed by tkie fact that there was no sign at the gate;
since the winds are very strong during the winter, the sign
had blown away -- you will note from perusal of the photos
that we have replaced the sign.
Mr. Oehler asked me repeatedly if I always sloped the
sides of the pit at a 3:1 ratio; I assured him that I always
requested the crushing crew to leave the sides sloped as the
cattle also use the area and I didn't want any accidents with
cattle falling, etc. I also explained that we used fines to
smooth slopes which we later would revegetate. I pointed out
that we had mulching material and fertilizer which we would
mix with the fines. I also attempted to illustrate to him
by inspecting the edge of the pit - there is virtually no soil
that differs from the fines already in a pile - it is all
rocky and sandy - the mixture that we use for bedding when we
fan grass seed has worked well with the areas we have been able
to revegetate i.n the old pre-law pit.
Mr. Oehler informed me that a storm water plan was needed
for this site. I appx-eciated the information and have since
filed an application and prepared a plan.
Mr. Oehler talked about the boundary markers and told us
he would be measuring the area; Mr. Goemmer offered to help
him any way that Mr. Oehler would like, but he was refused. At
the time, I pointed out the boundary between the old and new
pit areas - he felt he was quite clear on the line, but I was
not too sure about certainty. You will note that his measurements
start in the old pit area rather than at the southern boundary
of the permitted area. Mr. Sanchez of the Soil Conservation
Service assisted us in the preparation of the maps we have
included with the packet of information. A great deal of this
misunderstanding could have been avoided if Mr. Oehler had
taken advantages of our offer to help him run his "wheel".
We have since clearly marked the boundaries - see photos.
Inspection report states that the vegetation in the area of
the pit does not meet reclamation standards; however, mining has
not been completed - even though sloped - thus, grasses present
help hold the soil, and do not represent reclamation completion.
The areas we have been able to revegetate in the old pit area
include grass and trees - making a pleasant picnic area out of
the wind and in the sunshine. The revegetation of the pre-law
pit was not a requirement of us - most of the mining was
accomplished prior to our purchase of the property; however,
since I own the property, it is to my benefit to assure that
it does not depreciate,