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`~ • ~ (Page 2) • MINE ID $ OR PROSPECTING ID ? M-91-136 INSPECTION DATE 05/24/94 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO This inspection was performed by the Division to assess the pre-operational conditions of the area to be added by amendment to the permit area. The operator was notified about the inspection and met this inspector at the site. The area to be added by amendment was the only portion of the existing permit to have a complete inspection conducted on it; the remainder of the permit area was inspected for only part of the inspection topics. The sign was present at the entrance, although the permit number on the sign this inspector observed was the number of the 111 permit (which will be replaced by this amendment), specifically, M-94-016. The operator should ensure that the permit number shown above on this report, is also clearly posted. Markers were present along all boundary lines. The operator has a stormwater management plan (SWMP) for the existing pit, which will be amended to include the added area. The operations of the new portion will be an extension of the existing operations. The pit is completely below the grade of all surrounding land, except along the south aide. The pit has not and will not daylight on the south, where the river terrace is, due to the construction of a berm which is maintained to separate all activities from the adjacent river/wetland areas. This berm is compacted on top, well-graded on the pit side, but rather steep (1.25:1) on the river aide. Material does not seem to be presently eroding on this elope, nor is any sedimentation yet leaving the permit area or causing offsite damage. However, there appears to be potential for this to occur if that elope ie not reduced and stabilized by revegetation soon. Pit excavation will proceed to a total depth of about 25 feet. The product mined ends there and mancos shale is encountered. At the deepest part of the pit is a small sump, from which tank trucks fill with water to spray to control dust onsite. A small drainage channel ie also there which sends water to a pump in the southwest corner of the pit, clarifying on the way, to be discharged to an offsite drainage canal. The setback from the road on the north is being observed by the operator. No mining is occurring there, but that ie where topsoil ie being stockpiled, partly to provide the county-required screen along the road. The stockpiles are steeply eloped and slightly weedy, but operator atyatea that the piles have been in place only since 1991, and are soon to be replaced during reclamation activities in portions of the pit. Operator ie reminded that topsoil should be separated and stored in such a manner ae to prevent its deterioration. If it is to remain in etockpilea a long time, it should be graded to a gentler elope and seeded. Present vegetation on the wetland area, not to be disturbed but adjacent to the pit area, includes predominantly tamarisk stands, greasewood, willow, young cottonwood trees, ekunkbueh sumac, cheatgraes and other annual weeds. The homestead mentioned in the application has largely been demolished, and the resultant pile (about 100 cu yda) ie yet to be hauled away. There are two large cottonwood trees within the area to be mined, and proposed to be removed. Division of Wildlife has a concern with the removal of the two trees. However, this inspector noted at least 12 similar trees within 300 feet to the southeast. There are also, as noted, several young cottonwoods in the proximity of these two old ones, and will likely someday also serve wildlife. Though it constitutes a loss, it is not this inspector's opinion that wildlife will be drastically affected by said removal. There is a mantle of topsoil and overburden several feet thick being removed to expose the gravel/cobble deposit. These materials are being adequately separated and stockpiled away from other activity for later use. There is fortunately no lack of topsoil, partly due to the reclamation plan specifying needing it only for a layer to be replaced on the portions above water around a lake. Though not noted as present on any existing topsoil piles or other portions of the permit area, there ie a healthy crop of Russian knapweed on the soil surface, in that portion of the amendment area which has not yet been stripped of its mantle material. (Russian knapweed is one of four plants named as a noxious weed in the state undesireable plant act. ) The goseibility of future problems if left unaddressed or untreated was discussed with the operator. The operator acknowledged this, adding that, as part of the county permit, the county requires some degree of treatment of the weeds at a point prior to release of this