INSPEC27971 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1995-012 INSPECTION DATE 07/1412006 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS DEG This routine monitoring inspection of Permit Number M-1995-012 (Powell's Gravel Pit) was conducted by Deb E. G6nima of the DMG. Operator Cork Powell and consultant Jayne Kuck were present during this inspection. The pit is located approximately 4 miles east of Dinosaur, CO, adjacent to State Highway 40, and currently consists of approximately 9.9 acres where approximately 5 acres are currently disturbed. Mine entrance signs and permit boundary markers are all in place. All activities and completed work at the time of inspection appeared to follow the guidelines and regulations set forth by the state and the mining and reclamation plans for the pit, and no problems are noted for this site. The site appears stable and no disturbance was observed outside of the approved permit boundaries. For future reference, this site is correctly positioned in the DMG online GIS. There was no material stockpile on site. The current mined area is focused on the south-facing slope of a rock outcropping (see photos 1 and 2). Note that there are some high, fractured rock-faces that do not appear to be stable, and will need to be stabilized or mined prior to release. At the time of this inspection there was a loader on site. At this time there appears to be no offsite erosion, and no long-term (greater than 72 hours) water retention was observed. During this inspection the operator discussed plans to continue mining-related activities on site this year and possibly in to next year. This inspector stated that once the operator believes that no additional mining will occur, he should begin to take steps toward reclamation as soon as possible to reduce the potential for problems, such as erosion, to arise. Lack of vegetation on the mined areas leaves these portions of the site vulnerable to erosion, which may force eventual bond release to take longer. This inspection was also initiated to address previous inspection concerns with regard to on site topsoil availability, and to provide some reclamation suggestions. This inspector observed a lack of available topsoil for the disturbed area. However, given the conditions of the surrounding undisturbed area, it appears that the mined area may not have produced much topsoil in its natural condition, prior to mining activities. Therefore, it is the finding of this inspector that hauling in additional topsoil is an unnecessary step at this time. However, this finding does not relinquish the operator of reclamation and revegetation responsibility for the entire mined area. Please note that the operator may find successful reclamation more difficult without sufficient topsoil, and revegetation of the entire mined site is required to qualify for bond release. In an effort to help facilitate successful reclamation at this site, this inspector makes the following recommendations. Once the site is graded to 3h:1 v slopes or less steep, as the operator's approved reclamation plan commits to, incorporating 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of manure per acre should help increase the likelihood of vegetation establishment. Depending upon the final grade of the reclaimed area, the operator may drill or broadcast the following recommended seed mix: intermediate wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, Indian rice grass, and thickspike wheatgrass. The operator should check with his local NRCS representative to confirm this mix and obtain a recommendation for seeding rates and seeding timing. It is also recommended that the operator crimp weed-free mulch into the re-vegetated area. These recommendations are not a guarantee of vegetative success. They are intended to assist the operator, and are offered solely as a courtesy. Finally, during the inspection it was mentioned that the operator may need to change the post-mining land use in order to accommodate new plans for barn construction. However, the post-mining land use on file is General Agriculture, and it is the Division's stance that barns to be used for agricultural purposes align with the General Agriculture designation. Therefore, the operator is not required to submit a change of post-mine land use. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Deb E. GBnima at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Denver Office, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, phone number 303-866-4179. I & E Contact Address cc: ^ CE NAME Mr. Cork Powell ^ BL OPERATOR ^ FS STREET P.O. Box 23 ^ HW CITY/STATE2IP Dinosaur. CO 81610 ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH) ^ OTHER cc: Jayne Kuck, Ace West Trucking, Inc., 15672 Hwy. 64, P.O. Box 250, Rangely, Colorado 81648 Carl Mount, DMG via a-mail