INSPEC32839

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 1/20/1999
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the
inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or
evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This partial inspection of the New Horizon Mine was conducted by DMG staff from the
DMG Durango Office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301,
phone [phone]. Operations were active during the time of this inspection.
Ross Gubka accompanied the DMG inspector throughout the inspection.
Signs & Markers -Mine identification sign and safety signs were posted at the mine
entrance. Permit boundary markers were observed. Public access is controlled by gate
and fence, gate to the main office area was open.
Roads -Mine haul roads and access roads were well maintained. Road side drainage
ditches and culverts appeared clear, functional, and stable.
Hydrologic Balance -Affected area drainage was contained within the pit and/or
conveyed to pond 007 for treatment prior to leaving the site. Recently constructed
sediment containment ditch conveyed surface drainage from areas recently stripped of
topsoil, to pond 007. Recently constructed sediment containment ditch appeared well
constructed and stable, no evidence of erosion/sedimentation, ditch appeared have
sufficient capacity and grade to function as designed. Pond 007 discharge is permitted
through NPDS permit, pond was discharging.
Backfill & Grading - Reclamation backfilling and grading of the active pit area appeared
current. Evidence of slumping, settling or excessive erosion was not observed,
reclaimed areas were well vegetated and appeared stable. Topsoil replacement for
topsoil campaign #10 was active. Survey lath with depth indicators for subsoil and
topsoil were intact throughout topsoil area #10. Subsoil (B horizon) was being
replaced to a minimum depth of 18", topsoil IA horizon) was being replaced to
minimum depth of 9". Minimum depth of A & B horizons combined was 27". Topsoil
replacement for area #10 appeared to have been direct hauled with scrapers from
recently affected areas on the advancing side of the pit.
Wildlife - Approximately 100 Canada geese were observed in reclaimed areas near
pond 007, eating reclamation vegetation. Operator indicated that Canada geese reside
year around at pond 007 area, and graze heavily upon the reclamation vegetation.
One bull Elk and one cow Elk with calf were observed within the permit area, bordering
the reclamation vegetation NE of pond 007. Three Bald eagles were observed roosting
in trees near the areas recently stripped of topsoil on the advancing side of the pit.