INSPEC34848 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• (Page 2l • MINE ID rX OR PROSPECTING ID rY M-2000-110 INSPECTION DATE 10131/00 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This pre-operation inspection was performed by the Division during the review period for this new 112 Construction Materials permit application. The operator's representative was contacted about the inspection and a time was arranged for a joint inspection of the site. The persons named on page one were present throughout the inspection. The Notice required to be posted under Rule 1.6 was observed on the right-of-way fence at the location of the proposed haul road entrance gate. The proposed haul road does not currently exist; the site was accessed during the inspection via the existing farmstead road, which will not be used as part of the permitted operation. The farmstead road is private, and no part of it is located within a county road right-of-way. The area of proposed excavation was inspected first. Stakes have been placed marking the corners of the proposed permit boundary, which are set back from the fencelines by 50 to 200 feet. The site is fairly level, though slight variations in the topography are evident by drainage patterns and ditches. There are "flowing wells" (small artesian wells) on the site, though mining-related disturbance to them will be avoided. One of these wells, in particular, lying within the excavation area, was also the location of an overhead powerline supplying power to an electric pump for livestock water. These features are privately-owned by the applicant, will not be disturbed by mining, and will remain after reclamation. The site is presently pasture, with differing depths of topsoil observed, ranging from thin and gravelly to over one foot deep and free of aggregate. The excavation area contains no cross fences to remove. There was one circle pivot irrigation system on the site, though it is not used, and will be removed prior to excavation. The fences surrounding the excavation area are well outside the proposed permit area boundary, and even farther away from the affected area boundary, except for a couple locations. The northern truck access road will enter the site through the right-of-way fence, where a gate will be constructed (though the county has apparently stated that the access fill and/or paved apron will not require a culvert therel. The area between the excavation area and the proposed stockpile and rail spur area is crossed by the landowner's fence, which will remain, though a new gate for pit traffic lat an exact location not yet determined) will be constructed. This hauling corridor will cross the vicinity of the utility-owned overhead electric powerlines, overhead telephone line, buried natural gas pipeline, as well as an earthen ditch and dirt road owned by the applicant. The applicant must secure damage agreements from all outside parties having an interest in these structures. All pertinent details required of the applicant by these parties, regarding setback distances, fill depths or grades, etc., will become part of the permit plans, and will be monitored by the Division. Please ensure that these are adequately communicated to this office. The applicant's earthen ditch and dirt road (which provides access to a residence outside the southern boundary of the permit areal are presumed to remain throughout the life of the mine. Fish Ditch, an earthen ditch crossing the southern half of the excavation area, is owned by the applicant. It will not be disturbed by mining, since it is required for conveying water to other lands downstream (to the southeastl, now and in the future. Limits of mining on either side will be set back by a defined buffer distance. The eastern area of the permit, described as the stockpile and rail spur area, was observed last. It also is fairly level but with slightly varying terrain. Ditches and ephemeral drainages cross the area, though mostly grassy, there were numerous stands of woody vegetation (mature cottonwoods and willow thicketsl. Dryer portions of the site exhibited rangeland grasses and rabbitbrush. The affected area of this portion should be confined to these dryer upland areas, and avoid the drainageways. The existing rail line adjoins the eastern end of the permit area. The junction for proposed rail spur which will allow rail access to the stockpile area will be in the southwest corner of the permit area. The existing line is elevated several feet above the existing grade of the applicant's land, and will require (at least at that eastern endl sufficient fill to meet that grade, as well as adequate drainage control (i.e., culvertsl. It is not clear at this time what other structures will be installed in this area besides the rail spur, such as loadouts, pads, ramps, road fills, etc. The inspection meeting ended with a discussion of the details of the application and the questions in the Division's adequacy review letter. The operator or his agent will clarify and answer all outstanding issues in the responses.