2003-07-21_INSPECTION - M2001054

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M- INSPECTION DATE /03 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as a follow-up of the 5/7/03 inspection during which problems were found, to verify that required corrective actions had been carried out by the operator by the required correction date. The operator was contacted about the inspection and a time was arranged to meet at the site. The operator named on page one was present throughout the inspection. Written correspondence was received from the operator prior to the correction date indicating that the corrective actions were finished. The main items checked were (1)the backfilling and (2) seeding carried out along the northern boundary, (3)the cessation of mining on the second bench, (4) the commencement of excavation of the sediment pond and (5) status of the upper runoff channel. The upper portion of the cut created within the 20-foot buffer along the northern boundary had been adequately backfilled by mixed pitrun. No cut wall was found to remain. Placement and grading of material approximated the original surface in the 20-foot buffer, then sloped off at 3:1 within the mining area. It was left fairly rough, with rocks exposed with the soil. The lower portion (where the cut was less severe) was partially backfilled, and will be finished later this summer when the storage trailer is moved. It must be similarly reclaimed this year. Seeding was carried out on the upper portion, but too recently to have resulted in observable revegetation. The operator stated that grass seed had been hand broadcast on the slope surface, but not raked or dragged. Old grass hay(semi-moldy) had been scattered on the slope also. It is hoped that the hay's moldy condition will discourage wildlife from eating the hay, and leave the slope revegetation intact. Revegetation efforts will be checked during future inspections. If the operator finds that revegetation is still poor this fall, a reseeding should be carried out before winter snow arrives. The lower portion must be similarly revegetated this year, probably by fall seeding. The highwall above the second bench was not being mined,though stockpiles which were present on the bench were being removed at the time of the inspection. Once clear of material, the approved plan requires that this bench be left inactive until the lower bench is finished and new access road built. The construction of the sediment pond and upper channel will of course be finished also. The sediment pond was being excavated during the inspection. It presently measured 70' x 60' x It might not turn out exactly configured as the plan proposed, due to space limited by the steep drop on the west, but will be in the correct location and of the same capacity. The plan calls for a culverted outlet, but the operator suggested that riprap might also serve. This minor change could be made without a technical revision, if that is the only modification, but it must be submitted with the an engineering evaluation and reviewed by this office before implementing it. Excavated material from the pond was being hauled offsite during the inspection. Some clearing of timber had occurred in the upper channel, but no further construction had been carried out. At this time, all corrective actions that were required to be finished by 5/31/03 were completed. The operator must ensure that additional corrective actions which are to be completed later this season are also completed in a timely manner. Written correspondence is also to be submitted to this office in a timely manner as the activities are finished. There were no new problems noted at this time. No additional items were discussed during this 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. 1 & E Contact Address cc: Harry Posey, DMG ❑ CE NAME Lynn Olin ❑ BL OPERATOR Bridal Veil Construction ❑ FS STREET PO Box 1821 ❑ HW CITY/STATE/ZIP Ourav, CO 81427 ❑ HMWMD (CH) ❑ SE ❑ WQCD (CH)