INSPEC22229 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID ;y M-1995-038 INSPECTION DATE 7/3/02 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Construction Materials 110 permits. The operator's representative was contacted about the inspection, but was not present during the inspection. There was no activity at the site at the time of the inspection. The site is identified by a permit ID sign posted along the entrance road to the site. The permit boundarv markers were not visible, though the boundarv must be clearly marked, pursuant to Rule 3.1.12. The lack of boundarv markers is noted as a problem in this report. The operator must accurately locate the permit boundarv at the site, and clearly mark it. The markers must be durable )against weathering and livestock, for example) and visible to the onsite operator and inspectors. Please see the last page of this report for the correction date. The operation involves the cutting and removal of woody vegetation, then the stripping of topsoil and overburden (caliche subsoil?) and then excavating a vertical highwall from the pit floor. There is a strip of land along the west side and along the north side of the pit from which the trees and brush have been cut ahead of the mining. Topsoil stockpile locations are approved for placement along the west, north and east boundaries. The excavation is proceeding toward the north, but the pit has not been excavated to its full width (west to east). The western highwall is vertical and is not in its final reclaimed configuration, indicating that it will be further mined or still must be sloped. However, topsoil has not been stripped from the area immediately above the highwall, and the topsoil potentially will be lost due to mining activity or weathering at the site. The topsoil stockpiles on the west do not appear to be placed in the approved location. The topsoil and overburden are about 50 to 80 feet from the western boundary (fudging by the limit of the cut areal. The eastern side of the~it also has topsoil stockpiled above the highwall, and the pile has begun to slough off the vertical face into the pit. All these items are considered to be problems in this report, under the topsoil topic. To correct the problem, the operator must submit evidence showing that the topsoil has been stripped well back from anv advancing highwall, stockpiled in secure and approved locations, and protected from erosion and noxious weeds. Please see the last page of this report for the correction date. The soil stockpiles on the west are becoming infested with thistle. The topsoil is to be respread after mining, which will increase the size of the infestation if it is not eliminated. The subsoil might be processed and removed from the site or backfilled onsite after mining, either of which options will spread the infestation. Due to the infestation of a noxious weed on the topsoil and subsoil piles, there is a problem noted in this report, under the revegetation topic. To correct it, the operator must show evidence of a noxious weed control plan for the site, and provide a statement that it is being implemented. If no weed plan already exists for the site. one must be formulated and submitted. Please contact this inspector to discuss this problem. See the last page of this report for the correction date. The bond is due to be recalculated. All factors such as length and angle of highwall, size of disturbed area, available quantity of topsoil, presence of weeds, wood and metal debris onsite, etc., will be accounted for in the new figures. The operator may influence the figures by mining according to plan and reclaiming in a timely manner. There were no additional items observed. All responses or questions about this inspection report should be directed to this inspector at the Division's Durango Field Office. The address is: Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301; telephone 970/247-5193, or fax 970/247-5104. I & E Contact Address cc: Tom Gillis, DMG NAME OPERATOR STREET CITY/STATE/ZIP Bob and Regina Farmer Farmers Construction, Inc. 37418 Hwv. 145 Redvale, CO 81431 ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD ICHI ^ SE ^ WOCD (CHI ^ OTHER