Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 21 • <br />MINE ID p OR PROSPECTING ID k M-1994-011 <br />INSPECTION DATE 3-29-2001 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) monitoring program for permitted <br />mines in Colorado. <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br />No significant erosional features were noted on the affected areas of the site. <br />No significant infestations of noxious weeds were noted on site during this inspection, but the old sediment ponds that are <br />now filled are in need of weed control for annual weeds, followed by revegetation measures as specified in the approved <br />reclamation plan. <br />The operation has deviated from the approved mining and reclamation plans in numerous ways. These deviations have <br />undoubtedly created a situation where the current financial warranty is insufficient to reclaim the site per the approved <br />reclamation plan. Deviations from the approved permit specifications are noted below and are listed as problems on the <br />last page of this report with corrective actions and corrective action due dates. <br />• The sediment pond and water source pond adjacent to the main access road on the south side of the site have <br />apparently been filled in with sediment, and a replacement pond, significantly larger than the approved settling pond <br />has been excavated and is being utilized. This pond no longer receives flow from the Doing Ditch, but does discharge <br />to this ditch. Please, by the correction date noted on the last page of this report, submit a revision application with <br />a revised map illustrating this change. <br />• The operator indicated that the upgradient portion of Doing Ditch is no longer used because of it's poor condition. The <br />operator has installed a pump that now supplies water for the wash plant and dust abatement from the San Miguel <br />River. Please, by the correction date noted on the last page of this report, submit a revision application with a revised <br />map illustrating this change. Please be aware that this change in the point of diversion of water from the San Miguel <br />River may require notification to the Colorado State Engineers Office, Division of Water Resources. A copy of this <br />report will be forwarded to that office. <br />The sediment pond outlet did not have a silt fence filter in place as specified in the approved mining plan. Please install <br />a silt fence and submit photographic documentation of compliance with this corrective action by the correction date <br />specified on the last page of this report. A copy of this report will be forwarded to the Colorado Department of Public <br />Health and Environment -Water Quality Control Division. <br />A groundwater well has been drilled at the west end of the feedlot unit. The operator indicated that this well was used <br />to supply water for a concrete batch plant that is located there. He also indicated that the landowner wishes to permit <br />the well and retain it for post mining use on the ranch. Please, by the correction date specified, submit a revision <br />application to detail the installation of, and retention or plugging of the well and include documentation indicating that <br />a permit for this well has been applied for. <br />The approved mining and reclamation plans do not specify provisions for a concrete batch plant though there is a batch <br />plant on site with several sections of concrete pad and footers, power supply, and an operations trailer. Please, by the <br />correction date specified on the last page of this report, revise the permit to include specifications for installation, <br />operation and reclamation of this plant, or remove it from the site and submit photographic documentation of <br />completion of this removal. If the landowner wishes to retain any mining related features after mining is complete <br />(groundwater well. concrete pads, etc.l, he will need to provide a signed and notarized request that must be submitted <br />to DMG with a revision application requesting retention of these features. <br />The current financial warranty was calculated for reclamation of the affected area east of the drainage that bisects <br />the site and the northwest unit. The permit indicated that the reclamation bond for the feedlot unit would be provided <br />prior to excavation of that unit, which was the last unit to be mined. The feedlot unit has already been mined and <br />excavation of the north central unit and the northwest unit are ongoing. All of the excavation areas, except for 3-4 <br />