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The GEC Mine is the largest forfeited surface operation in Colorado. Two watersheds have extensive concentrated flow channels in the bottoms. DMG attempted stabilization of one of the channels some yeazs ago by constructing concrete drop structures. The concrete structures have been under- and side cut, which has resulted in failure of the structures. Sediment from the disturbed azea was observed in the natural channel below this watershed. The size of the eroded channels on the disturbed area indicates that substantial sediment has left the site, but the impacts were rated as minor. This rating was given because of the relatively minor impacts observed to vegetation, e.g. trees have not been suffocated from accumulated sediments over tnmks and root azea, because the natural channel appears to have reached a stable equilibrium with regard to erosion and because some of the sediment fans have now become vegetated with volunteer vegetation. It is the opinion of the Division that, although some off-site sedimentation has occurred at this site, vegetation has become established and should help in minimizing future sedimentation. Reclamation Completed and General Reclaimed Area Stability GEC Minerals, Inc. performed the reclamation of the West Pit and on 14 February 1986 received a Phase I Bond Release for its backfilling, grading and drainage control work. The Division, using private contractors and under the authority of the Boazd, performed the reclamation on the East Pit, the Section 24 areas and did additional work to the West Pit drainage. In the six or more yeazs since reclamation, the vegetation has grown enough to stabilize the soil and help stabilize the entire mine site. Additional work was done in the spring of 2000 to stabilize the gullies that have formed in the East Pit and stabilize the top of the East Pit drainage. Over the last two yeazs there have been no new problems observed at the site, further evidence that the site has stabilized. The landowner is currently using the GEC Mine azea for the grazing of cattle, with no negative impacts observed to date. At this time the reclamation is adequate to prevent further impacts to the environment and minimize any hazards to the health and safety of the public to the extent possible. Estimate of Continuine Safety, Health, or Environmental Problems The Division believes, at this time, that the public health and safety concerns at the GEC Mine (in either the East and West Pit azeas or the Section 24 azeas) are minimal and have been reduced to the extent possible. One possible continuing risk of environmental problems is due to possible off-site impacts from sedimentation. Based on past observations (minimal off-site impacts observed in the 7 February 2000 OSM inspection and no additional off-site impacts noted in more than three years of DMG inspections (Rule 5.02.2(8)(a)(vii)) and the limited amount of precipitation the mine azea receives (approximately 12.9 inches annually), the Division does not believe that a substantial risk to the environment exists.