2006-11-07_INSPECTION - M1977451

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1977-311 INSPECTION DATE: 11-06-06 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety for permitted sites. The Ike No. 1 Mine, (SR-11), is located west of Slick Rock in Southwestern Colorado. The 112 permitted site is in the beginning stages of development. Glen Williams, representative for Cotter Corporation and Ed Cotter representative for the Department of Energy accompanied the inspector on site. The mine identification sign and affected azea boundary markers are in place and incompliance with Rule 3.1.12. The sign is located at the gate for the mine main entrance. Permit boundaries are marked by blue/white surveyor tape. The inspector recommends that when operations resume that t-posts replace the tape as more permanent markers. However, at this time the tape is adequate. The azea has had significant record rain fall in the past month as other sites. The site has faired well with some impact from erosion. Impacts are noted primarily along the western dump area. Rilling and gullying was created when a breach of a berm from the portal staging area dumped onto the western dump area. A subsequent breach allowed flows to leave the area. Slash timber and brush created a natural silt fencing that prevented off-site damage. A retention pond located in the southwest portion of the dump area held very well and prevented off site sedimentation and erosion. Minor repairs to berms and grading will correct any problems. At this time, no problems are noted, but the operator should do repairs at the earliest convenience. A topsoil or at least top soil like material has been salvaged prior to the dumps being established along the eastside of the permit area. The material will probable be augmented by periodical cleaning of sedimentation ponds, etc. The operator should plan on seeding the area to prevent erosional losses in the spring. The inspector noted some mine related debris very close to the topsoil stockpile area. This type of material is typically buried within the waste piles which is an accepted practice for non-hazardous materials. However, the debris should not be stored near topsoil to prevent contamination by foreign materials. When activities resume, this material should be moved away from topsoil stock pile areas. No petroleum or other classified materials were noted on site. The mine portal is double locked and secure from unauthorized entry. No equipment was noted on site at this time as well. The reclamation cost estimate was not recalculated as part of this inspection. The current estimate was recalculated less than three years ago and the operation is in compliance with the approved mine plan and reclamation plan. Therefore, the current financial warranty is believed to be adequate to reclaim the site per the approved reclamation plan. No issues or problems are noted at this time.