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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1988-087 INSPECTION DATE 5/16105 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Construction Materials 110 permits. The operator was contacted about being present at the inspection. The operator's representative named on page one was present during the inspection. The site was inactive at the time of the inspection and there was no equipment at the site. There is still a small stockpile of gravel west of the pit. This pile was also observed during the Division's inspection on 9/10/99. The 1998 annual report indicates that all stockpiles were removed and that reclamation had commenced. There has been no activity at the site for a number of years, according to the annual reports, the operator's statement during the inspection, and the conditions observed at the site during this inspection. Otherthan a couple minor items, the site appears as it did at the time of the Division's 9/10/99 inspection. The pit slopes are not graded to meet the final 5:1 gradient in the approved reclamation plan. No seeding has been carried out. No apparent maintenance or stabilization activities have been carried out during this tine either. Since the file reflects that the site is in final reclamation. though no reclamation has been The was no permit ID sign posted at the entrance to the site and there were no permit boundary markers visible This is noted provide evidence to the Division of such installations, by the correction date shown on the last page. (The perm somewhat irregular, and it is important that the operator accurately- and durably -mark the boundaries prior to activities at the site.) Though no seeding has been performed by the operator, a fair amount of volunteer rangeland species have become established on the stockpile area, the pit floor and the pit slopes. The make-up of the vegetation observed was weak in grass species, and revegetation will not be deemed to adequately complywith the reclamation plan unless the approved species are present. At this time, this is not considered a problem. However, the operator must proceed with f nal reclamation to the extent that seeding may be included in the upcoming 2005 (or 2006, if the appropriate season has passed already this year) reclamation activities. commit to following this plan. See the last page for the correction date. Up to a dozen dead plant stalks that appear to be from the 2004 season are scattered in a small area. The patch of weeds is young, and it is hoped that not too many seeds are on the ground there. The most effective control will include monitoring and treatment (mechanical and/or chemical) in coming seasons, but also physical removal of the dead plants as soon as possible. The operator must take great care in handling these plants, however, since additional seeds may be scattered, and the plant is highly toxic. Information about black henbane is attached to the operator's copy of this report. (The operator is reminded that this same noxious plant is also well established at another of his permitted gravel pits: the Stage Stop Pit, permit M-1984-025, 10 miles west of Saguache. It is not known how the plant came to the Swede Corners Pit, but it must be controlled at both sites.) No further items were observed during the inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to the Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Bob Oswald; phone no.970-247-5193. Cont.