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C~ III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This partial inspection of the Hamilton Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson from the DMG Durango office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301, phone (970) 247-5193. No activity was observed, no mine personnel encountered. Signs & Markers -Mine identification sign and safety signs were posted at mine entrance. Perimeter markers were observed. Topsoil signs posted at stockpile #2. Roads -Access to mine site is provided by Montrose County Road HH31 from Colorado Highway 141. Mine roads were well maintained. Road side drainage ditches were well maintained. Road drainage for mine entrance road is treated for sediment by silt fence. Silt fences were loose from their costs and need repair or removal. Road culverts were clear of sediment and debris. Hydrologic Balance -Sediment pond A, located at far north end, was dry. Primary spillway was 4" PVC pipe with valve for controlling discharge, no discharge noted. Debris guard for inlet of primary spillway was absent. Primary spillway inlet and outlet were clear of sediment and debris. Evidence of erosion at outlet of primary spillway was not observed. Secondary spillway was open channel with rock lining. Black impermeable fabric lining was evident underlying the rock lining. Secondary spillway was stable, no evidence of erosion was observed. Vegetative cover for pond embankment was sparse and weedy. Russian thistle, Indian ricegrass, wheatgrass, Rubber rabbitbrush, and Aster were present on pond embankment. Foxtail barley was well established throughout pond bottom. Tumble weed and Foxtail barlev are noxious weeds, weed control methods are required. Sediment pond B, located at NE corner of permit area, was holding water. Water depth was visually estimated at 1', water level was approximately 1' below inlet of primary spillway. Two Mallard ducks were observed at pond B. Primary spillway was 4" PVC pipe with valve for controlling discharge. Debris guard for inlet of primary spillway was absent. Primary spillway inlet and outlet were clear of sediment and debris. No discharge was observed. Evidence of erosion at outlet of primary spillway was not observed. Secondary spillway was open channel with rock and vegetation lining. Secondary spillway was stable, no evidence of erosion. Pond inlet on west side appeared stable, channel was lined with rock and vegetation. Channel for east side pond inlet had been lined with silt fence fabric. Silt fence fabric had separated on channel floor, erosion of channel bottom has resulted. Silt fence lining at east side inlet needs to be repaired or removed and replaced with rock lining. Massive pond embankment was vegetated and appeared stable. Undesirable vegetation included Downv brome. Prickly lettuce. Russian thistle, and curly cup gum weed. Numerous tracks of 4x4 vehicles were observed on south and west aond inslooes and within pond bottom. Vehicle traffic has damaged revegetation success and has encouraged erosion of pond inslooes. Mild erosion was noted within vehicle tracks along south pond inslooe. Revegetation -see comments under Hydrologic Balance.