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<br /> <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the <br />inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or <br />evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This partial inspection of the Coal Gulch Mine was conducted by DMG staff from the <br />Durango Office, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, CO 81301, phone (9701 <br />247-5469. The permit for the Coal Gulch Mine was revoked over 5 years ago. <br />Financial warranty was forfeited and utilized for final reclamation. <br />No significant changes were observes since the last inspection. <br />Portions of the reclaimed areas, located adjacent to Hwy 160 and owned by Fire <br />Hawk, have been redisturbed by Fire Hawk activities. Rock, soil, vegetative debris and <br />industrial/domestic debris have been imported by Fire Hawk and stockpiled on site. <br />Additional debris was observed in a draw, apparently dumped from the adjacent <br />Arness McGriffen permit area (upslope) by unknown individuals. <br />The sediment pond was holding water, approximately 1' deep. Portions of the toe of <br />the pond embankment outslope have been removed, apparently to maximize the <br />working area for Fire Hawk equipment. Additionally, the primary and secondary <br />spillways for the sediment pond have been blocked by material stockpiles, imported <br />and placed by Fire Hawk. Obstruction of the spillways and removal of portions of the <br />toe of the embankment may result in a potentially unstable pond embankment. No <br />discharge was observed from the sediment pond. <br />Vegetative cover was well established in areas not re-affected by Fire Hawk activities. <br />Weeds, including regulated noxious weeds, were observed in reclaimed areas. <br />Evidence of erosion and sedimentation were observed in the rock lined drainage <br />channel, constructed on reclaimed slopes, and located adjacent to areas re-affected by <br />Fire Hawk. Evidence of erosion was also observed on reclaimed slopes below the <br />access road to the Arness McGriffen mine. <br />