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<br /> <br />(Page 21 <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID Jl M-1984-001 <br />INSPECTION DATE 4/14/00 <br />S INITIALS WHE <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection occurred in response to operator request to clarify remainin reclamation tasks <br />necessary to achieve full release of warranties and termination of permi . John Schmahl <br />accompanied the DMG inspector throughout the inspection. Ron Tipping and E Settle, from Grand <br />Junction Pipe & Supply Company, were present during the inspection. The urface Rock Pit is <br />approved for 28 acres total affected area. The phased reclamation pan indicates that <br />approximately 13.5 acres may be affected at any given time. The permit area is divided into two <br />locations, areas A and B. Area A is a quarry type extraction of metamorphi and igneous rock, <br />approved for 18 acres affected area, approximately 9.5 acres may be affecte at any given time. <br />Area B is a granite boulder and backfill material harvesting area, approved fo 10 acres affected <br />area, approximately 4 acres may be affected at any given time. Permit stat s is active. DMG <br />holds 527,000 financial warranty. During the inspection, the operator submitte updated maps and <br />aerial photos of the permit area. <br />Area A - Mine identification sign was posted. Public access is controlled b locked gate. The <br />boundary of affected lands was sufficiently delineated to verify that mini g activities have <br />remained within approved areas. Highwall was visually estimated at 40'-60' tall. Near vertical <br />sections of the highwall were interrupted by several benches. The highwall app ared to have been <br />excavated from competent massive rock, evidence of instability appeared lime ed to potential for <br />rock fall. Stockpile of 3" minus material, located at the Phase II area and containing approximately <br />60,000 cy, appeared well vegetated and stable. Vegetative cover for the stoc pile, including the <br />steep outslope, was well established and included Pinion and Juniper trees, ucca, Four-wing <br />saltbush, Rubber rabbitbrush, Sage brush, Western wheatgrass, Crested w eatgrass, Smooth <br />brome, additional unidentified grasses, Yellow sweet clover, Broom snakewe d, Flexweed, and <br />Russian thistle. Presence of noxious weeds was not observed. Upland dra Wage is conveyed <br />around the stockpile by an upland diversion ditch with culvert outlet. Evidence f mild erosion was <br />observed at the outfall point for the upland diversion culvert. DMG recommend that the operator <br />place large rock at the culvert outfall to dissipate the energy of water discharge g from the culvert <br />and control erosion. Affected area drainage was appropriately controlled with b rms and sediment <br />basins. <br />Reclamation Plan for area A indicates that the highwall will be stabilized with enches. Benches <br />are to be 10'-15' wide and spaced at 20' elevation intervals. Vegetative cov r for the benches <br />is not required. The approved reclamation plan stipulates that the 60,000 cy st ckpile of 3" minus <br />material must either be removed from site, or relocated to the base of the high all and utilized as <br />backfill to attain the approximate 15% final slope requirement. The 15% final slope requirement <br />extends from the base of the highwall to the 25' buffer zone bordering Hwy 41 of the Phase I <br />area. Topsoil or fines, approved as suitable growth medium, are to be distrib ted over affected <br />areas and contoured with 2" creases to reduce runoff and control erosion. he surface of the <br />affected lands are to be stabilized with an appropriate vegetative cove , which includes <br />transplanting 60-70 pine trees. Affected lands will be reclaimed to support ildlife habitat post <br />mining land use. DMG cannot approve full release of warranties and terminate he permit until the <br />conditions of the approved reclamation plan are satisfied in accordance with he Act and Rules. <br />Copy of the approved reclamation plan for Area A is attached for reference. <br />