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i <br />• (Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-77-129 <br />INSPECTION DATE 3-10-98 <br />• III <br /> INS pfiCTOR'S INITIALS SSS <br />This was a routine monitoring inspection of the Whitewater Pit 500. ',The site is permitted <br />to affect 599.8 acres in phases. <br />The facilities area seems to have some structures and salvaged scrap ~aterials that need to <br />be included in the reclamation cost estimate. Additionally, it appears that the wash plant, <br />wash plant settling pond and access road are not part of the approved permit. The operator <br />indicated where the old wash plant settling pond (now filled up) was lgcated in Stage Z, and <br />showed where the northwest section of Stage 2, separate from the currently active section of <br />Stage 2, was being used as the current wash plant settling pond. The operator indicated that <br />this separate section was very deep. Visually estimated at approximately 25-30 feet deep to <br />water level. The slopes in this area are estimated at an average 1:1 grade. The operator <br />will need to evaluate the site and submit an application for revision to the reclamation <br />permit to incorporate specifics of these items, and any other non-compliances identified. <br />The operator is conducting concurrent slope reduction, following the active mining face, as <br />specified by the approved permit, except in the settling pond mentior~~ed above. <br />The Stage 1 slope instability, on the east side of that pit has not!been repaired. This <br />stage, as well as Stages X and Y have been in reclamation for several years. The operator <br />is encouraged to conduct repairs on the slope instability and complete, required reclamation <br />seeding requirements on Stages X, Y, and 1 this fall. These sites were to be seeded, per the <br />enclosed approved plan, upon filling of the Stage 1 lake. The annual deport indicated that <br />the lake was filled in the spring of 1996. Therefore, seeding of these areas should have <br />taken place in the fall of 1997. Please keep in mind Rule 3.1.3 which requires that all <br />reclamation be carried to completion with all due diligence and within 5 years of <br />commencement of final reclamation on that phase. <br />It is recommended that~the operator contact the Tri-County Extension Office for revegetation <br />recommendations that include current technological advances which' may help establish <br />vegetation on this dry, well drained site. The use of polyacry rmides and mulch is <br />recommended. Hydro seeding is not recommended in dry climate because it leaves the seeds on <br />the surface and vulnerable to quick drying by the elements. It may be beneficial to seed in <br />the spring with some warm season grasses, prior to fall seeding with Cool season species. <br />Please be sure to revise the reclamation plan to include any changes to the approved plan. <br />This site has several significant infestations of Russian knapweed. The operator will need <br />to conduct weed control measures for this noxious weed during this fieXd season. The local <br />extension office can recommend most effective herbicides to use and the most effective times <br />for application. <br />cc: Tom Gillis,. DMG <br />CE Ken Jacobsen <br />NAME Edward M. Gardner <br />OPERATOR Whitewater 81dg. Materials Coro. <br />STREET P. O. Box 1769 <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP •r nd t,n- ion. olo ado 81 0- <br /> <br />^ BL <br />^ FS <br />^ HW <br />^ HMWhID (CH) <br />^ SE <br />^ WQCD (CH) <br />^ OTHER <br />~~ i:y <br />