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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1979-205 <br />INSPECTION DATE 3-15-02 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program of the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. <br />The MMM /Chambers Pit is located 2 miles east of Rifle on Highway 6. The site is located on the north bank of the Colorado <br />River with a buffer zone between mining activity and the river channel. Weather was clear, some snow cover was noted but <br />did not adversely impact the inspection. The inspector was accompanied by United Representative Rick Johnson. <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. a large sign <br />was noted at the main entrance. Fencing delineated the north, east and west boundaries while the river marked the southern <br />edge. <br />Mining activity was noted in Phase 2 and 3 of the site. Numerous stockpiles of various sized material were observed in the <br />eastern section of the permitted area. A screening and stacking operation was underway. All the equipment observed was <br />portable in nature. <br />No significant infestations of noxious or other problematic weeds were noted on site during this inspection. The current growing <br />season has not commenced, but no plants were observed that would indicate a noxious weed problem. <br />All stormwater appears to be contained on site. No significant erosional features were noted on the affected areas of the site <br />The hydrological balance is being maintained. No further groundwater has been exposed in the Phase II or III areas per the <br />stipulation of a 1998 amendment (AM-1 ). However, the issue of documentation concerning a well permit or augmentation <br />permit cited in the last inspection(1997) appears not to have been addressed and is being listed again as a problem. If proper <br />documentation is not received by the correction date, this issue will be converted to a violation. <br />United has requested the release of Phase 1 from reclamation. An attached letter to this report deals with specific issues <br />concerning that area and are not part of this report. <br />The reclamation cost estimate was not recalculated as part of this inspection. The current estimate was recalculated less than <br />three years ago and the operation is in compliance with the approved mine plan and reclamation plan. Therefore, the current <br />financial warranty is believed to be adequate to reclaim the site per the approved reclamation plan. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction <br />Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-1117. <br />I & E Contact Address cc: <br /> ^ CE <br />NAME Rick Johnson ^ gL <br />OPERATOR United Companies. Inc. ^ FS <br />STREET P.O. Box 3609 ^ HW <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP Grand Junction. Colorado 81502 ^ HMWMD (CH) <br /> ^ SE <br /> ^ WOCD (CH) <br /> ^ OTHER <br />