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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-2000-147 <br />INSPECTION DATE 3-3-2005 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS <br />This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted as part of DMG's ongoing monitoring program for permitted mines in <br />Colorado <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br />The pit is impounding some water. Elam indicates that studies have shown this pool to be, at least partially, composed of <br />exposed groundwater. Seeps emerging on the top of the north pit slope are currently producing a small amount of water and <br />are consistent with these findings. In 2001E1am applied for a well permit for this pit. The State Engineer's Office (SEO) <br />responded by requiring Elam to obtain a water right for evaporative losses and submit additional documentation regarding wells <br />within 600 feet of the pit. Please submit updated documentation regarding the disposition of this well permit and water rights <br />for this exposed groundwater. <br />Tamarisk is becoming established on the pit floor surrounding the impounded water. The annual reports for this site indicate <br />final reclamation tasks, including seeding were completed during the year 2000 field season. Therefore, this stand of tamarisk <br />appears to be grandfathered and is not required to be controlled at this time. However, DMG strongly recommends that control <br />measures for tamarisk be implemented at all sites with tamarisk infestations, to minimize the threat of this noxious weed <br />spreading further into non-infested areas. Additionally, these measures may reduce potential future liabilities for tamarisk <br />control. <br />The existing financial warranty appears to be adequate to reclaim the site. Only an estimated three-quarters of the projected <br />excavation area was ever mined and all reclamation has been completed except for successful revegetation of all disturbed <br />areas. Therefore a full bond recalculation is not necessary at this time. However, by April 29,2005, DMG must receive <br />documentation from the SEO, indicating that the exposed groundwater at this site is in compliance with their laws, or the <br />reclamation cost estimate will be recalculated to include importation and backfilling of material to prevent groundwater from <br />being exposed and impounded in the pit. <br />Elam needs to be aware that the annual reports indicate mining was completed prior to October 2000. Therefore, reclamation <br />of the site needs to be completed by October 2005. This leaves only this field season to finish revegetation of the site and to <br />complete any measures necessary to ensure the water rights are in place for exposed groundwater. With this in mind, it is <br />imperative that any additional revegetation tasks necessary be completed this spring. <br />It is highly recommended that all weed control and revegetation tasks be thoroughly documented and submitted to DMG in <br />each annual report. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Steve Shuey at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction <br />Field Uffice, 101 South 3rtl Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone number 970-243-6368. <br />I & E Contact Address <br />NAME <br />OPERATOR <br />STREET <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP <br />Harold Elam / Gavle Lvman <br />Elam Construction. Inc. <br />1225 South 7~" Street <br />Grand Junction. CO 81501 <br />cc: <br />^ CE <br />^ BL <br />^ FS <br />^ HW <br />^ HMWMD (CH) <br />^ SE <br />^ WOCD (CH) <br />^ OTHER <br />