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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 evidence <br />supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection of the Blue Flame Mine conducted by Tom Kaldenbach of the <br />Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. <br />Prior to May 2004 DRMS had last conducted reclamation on this site in May 1993. In May 2004, the <br />IML Program of DRMS had a contractor excavate a diversion ditch at the top of the portal area. <br />Excavation of the ditch resulted in DRMS suspending processing of its termination of jurisdiction of <br />the Blue Flame site (file SL-1). <br />DRMS re-initiated its processing of termination of jurisdiction of the Blue Flame Mine on September <br />11, 2007 following the procedures of 3.03.2 (file SL-1). Notices were sent to the parties required by <br />3.03.2(1) and a notice is being published in the Durango Herald, as required by 3.03.2(1)(b). A final <br />bond release inspection can be scheduled when the certified mail return receipt cards are received for <br />the mailed notices and when the fourth publication of the Durango Herald notice has been made <br />(which is scheduled for October 5, 2007). DRMS sampled vegetation on the Blue Flame site in 2002 <br />and 2003, and reported the results in an Internal Memorandum, dated November 24, 2003, which is in <br />the SL-1 file. DRMS completed a Hydrologic Impact Assessment for Blue Flame, dated January 24, <br />2004, which also is in the SL-1 file. The final bond release inspection report should note whether or <br />not the conclusions made in the vegetation memorandum and the hydrologic assessment still hold true. <br />The site was dry during the inspection. Photos taken during the inspection are attached to the end of <br />this report. <br />HYDROLOGIC BALANCE <br />There aze no ponds or ditches on the site. <br />REVEGETATION <br />Revegetated areas have a large amount of diverse cover. Scattered thistle have developed on the <br />reclaimed portal bench. <br />SLIDES AND DAMAGE <br />The reclaimed portal area appeared stable with no signs of slope movement. <br />RECLAMATION SUCCESS <br />Revegetated azeas have good cover. Shrubs, grasses, and weeds aze developing in the diversion ditch <br />excavated in May 2004. Much of the ditch is rock. <br />