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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1974-052 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRS <br />INSPECTION DATE 8-11-OS <br />This was a release inspection of Varra's Pit No. 1 (Del Camino Pit), <br />conducted by Gregg Squire of the Division of Minerals and Geology. Chris <br />Varra and Brad Janes, representing the operator and permit holder, were also <br />present. <br />The site was originally permitted for 131 acres. On January 22, 2002 the <br />Division released 10 acres of a coal ash study area, leaving 121 acres in the <br />permit area. The Colorado Division of Water Resources has determined that <br />there was 52 acres of "Pre-law" water on the site, therefore, the operator <br />has backfilled all but 52 acres of water. The site has been completely <br />regraded with the exception of the 52 acre pond. The pond banks are well <br />graded and there is an excellent population of fish in the pond. It is also <br />heavily used by numerous species of waterfowl. The site has been topsoiled <br />and seeded and an adequate stand of vegetation has been established. No <br />erosion was noted and no other problems were observed. <br />On July 13,2003 the Longmont Soil Conservation District notified the <br />Division that they had inspected the site and noted that "evidence of good <br />reclamation efforts are apparent. Grass has been seeded and weed mowing and <br />other control steps have been undertaken." However, the District also noted <br />that a modest amount of tamarisk and knap weed are present on the property <br />and recommended a delay of reclamation bond release for this site "pending <br />receipt by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology of certification by <br />the operator that the tamarisk and knapweed on the site have been controlled, <br />and that future operation and maintenance noxious weed management activities <br />will continue." On June 27, 2005 the Division had approved a Technical <br />Revision for this site which provided the Division with a weed control plan <br />for the site. In addition, after the District sent this letter, the Division <br />inspected the site and noted that the operator had removed the knap weed and <br />all but one small tamarisk, which was subsequently pulled. Therefore, the <br />Division believes that this site is ready for release. <br />