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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was a partial inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. This former underground mine was reclaimed and reseeded in 1996 and early 1997. Regional weather during most of April resulted in over four inches of total moisture in the form of rain and snow at this site. Ground conditions on this day were only slightly muddy in places. Signs and Markers The mine identification sign was found on the ground next to its post. It was replaced by the inspector. Two of the north disturbance markers were also found knocked over, likely by wind or animals. They were reset where they were found. Markers at this site define the boundary of the reclaimed areas. Hydrologic Balance Well CCAW-1located at the mouth of Cireula Canyon appeared to be intact. Detailed inspection upon removal of its cap revealed that the well has a fractured casing at ground level. This well should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent surface sediment from entering the well bore. The north ditch of the development waste pile also requires a minor amount of sediment to be removed to provide adequate freeboard to the ditch. Revegetation Due to a cool and wet spring, vegetation is just beginning to come out of winter dormancy with the onset of sunny days and warm temperatures. Lower reclaimed areas of pond 5 and pond 3 show the most growth so far, with smooth brome and western wheatgrass leading the way. Scotch thistle has not been a problem yet on most of the reclaimed area with the exception of pond 4. Both houndstongue and thistle should be sprayed at the reclaimed area of pond 4 before summer. Due to what appears to be un-controlled, trespass grazing by a local rancher, the Division suggests that the operator repair fencing, especially at the reference area. This is the eighth year after reseeding of the minimum ten-year revegetation liability period. Offsite Support Facilities On the afternoon of May 5th, preparation work began on the project to seal the former NW-1 bleeder fan shaft. A loader and a D8 dozer were working at this site. Topsoil had been stripped from around the shaft location and stored in piles on the west and on the north side of the disturbance. Subsoil was then being pushed to the side to create a berm and to level the pad area. Once the prep work is complete, the operator should establish signs on the topsoil piles to avoid any confusion with subsoil berms and reclamation plans.