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• (Page 2) • <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-96-089 <br />INSPECTION DATE 03/05/98 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of 112 permits. The <br />operator was contacted about the inspection but was not present for it. <br />The permit ID sign, required pursuant to Rule 3.1.12, was observed posted near the entrance <br />to the permit area. The boundary markers were also observed, mainly consisting of <br />fencelines. The affected area markers also appeared to be posted around the area of activity <br />on the pit floor, with no disturbance visible beyond them. <br />The financial warranty is $10,000, and was calculated in 2/97 at the time of permit issuance. <br />This inspection revealed that the operator's approved plan for mining is being followed. <br />Though no reclamation has been commenced yet, the bond still appears to be sufficient to <br />complete all needed reclamation at this point in time. <br />The pit is being operated on its northeast end, and is staying close to the north boundary <br />fence. No stripped material (topsoil or overburden) has been placed along the fence, and <br />excavation is not too close to the fence. The highwall, in fact, is being graded to 3:1 or <br />less as it advances toward the west. <br />There was a small amount of stockpiled material in the pit, and the pre-existing stockpiles <br />up on the unmined bench still remain. Disturbance is being minimized on this operation, <br />which is necessary for the bond to remain low. It appears that the operator is minimizing <br />the number of acres disturbed and keeping the highwalls fairly gentle, which will require <br />less earthwork to reclaim. <br />There was no erosion evident on the slopes, and no ponding of water in the pit. There does <br />not appear to be any location where storlnwater can leave the site. <br />The operation is still too young to have much reclamation evident yet. The operator is <br />reminded that if any topsoil is to remain stockpiled longer than a year it should be seeded <br />to protect it. Likewise, any areas on which topsoil can be replaced should be plated in a <br />timely manner. This not only keeps the bond lower, but makes the overall reclamation easier. <br />There were no weedy areas observed within the affected area. <br />There was no equipment in the permit area, and no structures, fuel storage or debris. The <br />site is clean and orderly: There were no other items observed, and no problems noted at this <br />time. <br />For all questions or comments pertaining to this report, please contact this inspector at the <br />address or phone shown below: <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />484 Turner, Bldg. F-101 <br />Durango CO 81301 <br />Phone: 970/247-5193, Fax: 970/247-5104. <br />