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III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion ofi <br />observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement <br />actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the <br />enforcement action. <br />This was a partial inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado <br />Division of Minerals and Geology. Ron Thompson represented Basin <br />Resources during the inspection. This former underground mine is now <br />reclaimed. Activities consist mainly of monitoring and maintenance. The <br />weather was warm and breezy and ground conditions were dry. <br />Reveoetation <br />Vegetation is a period of vigorous growth due to good soi_L moisture and <br />warming conditions. Vegetation appears capable of controlling erosion at <br />the site as indicated by the relative absence ofi any signifiicant rills or <br />gullies. Two small weedy patches of Canada thistle were noted on the <br />southeast area of the development waste pile. The operator should treat <br />these areas and any others on the reclamation prior to flowers setting <br />seeds. The western topsoil pile fiootprint has good vegetative cover but <br />appears to be mostly annual weeds on approximately 50% of the area. Some <br />weed spraying and interseeding may be of benefit to this area. <br />The extensive area ofi vegetation die-out near the road to the Third North <br />vent shaft site was traversed on foot. No significant neiro growth was <br />noted in this area indicating continuation of the methane in the soil. <br />At approximately 6:30 pm Dave Shelton, Loren Avis and four other <br />gentlemen were contacted at the site. They were interest~ad in detecting <br />areas where methane may be seeping from the ground. I explained to them <br />the situation at this location. Following discussion, the group <br />proceeded to the pasture south of Highway 12 owned by Mr. John Toupal to <br />the south. With his permission, measurements were taken throughout the <br />pasture and around the two shut-in gas wells. Based on the measurements, <br />it appears that the western gas well may be the source of the leak. Four <br />or five dead areas within 100 feet of the well returned high methane <br />readings. This well should be investigated further as a possible source <br />of the methane in the soils. <br />The reclaimed area of the main facility appears in excellent condition <br />and is progressing well towards successful vegetation establishment. <br />Page 3 <br />