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<br /> <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-88-048 <br />IP75 PECTION DATE 2/10/20 <br />(Page 2) <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS <br />1. A site inspection was made of the Carr Gravel Resources Pit as part of the Division's on- <br />going 4-year inspection program. Mr. Rick Everist and Ms. Lynn Mayer of L.G. Everist, Inc. <br />were present during the inspection. <br />2. The Carr Gravel Resoureces Pit is permitted for a total of 1302 acres. The maximum <br />disturbance allowed at any one time of 108.8 acres. The operator has posted a financial <br />warranty of $42,800 in the form of a Corporate Surety. The post-mining land use is <br />rangeland. This_ inspector ha_s reviewed the reclamation cost for the existing disturbance at <br />the site and found the financial warranty to be adequate to complete the reclamation plan. <br />3. The Carr Gravel Resources Pit is an active pit with mining now occurring in the Phase 2 <br />Area. The Phase 1 Area has already been mined and partially reclaimed to pastureland. All <br />disturbances were found to be within the permit area as well as in accordance with the <br />approved mine plan. The operator has also done an exemplary job of limiting the site <br />disturbance to 108 acres or less and performing contemporaneous reclamation wherever <br />feasible. This is significant in that the site is prone to excessive wind erosion throughout <br />much of the year. The operator also practices the technique of seeding a cover crop on newly <br />graded and topsoiled areas and then interseeding later with the desired reclamation seed mix. <br />This practice demonstrates the operator's commitment toward effective land management. <br />4. Signs and markers were posted as required by Rule 3.1.12. <br />5. The operator currently plans to annex a 100 acre parcel to the northwest via a permit <br />amendment. This proposed amendment area was inspected. There are no water features or <br />permanent man-made structures of concern in this area. <br />6. Topsoil is live handled and replaced on newly graded areas wherever possible. Topsoil <br />needed for reclamation of the plant site area has been stockpiled and seeded for long-term <br />storage. <br />7. Disturbed portions of the Phase 1 and 2 areas were inspected. Areas already mined were <br />in varying stages of reclamation. All graded and topsoiled areas have been seeded and <br />contain a stable, vegetative cover. Areas recently seeded exhibit a greater percentage of <br />weed cover whereas areas seeded several or more seasons ago contain greater percentages of <br />the desireable pastureland grasses. There was no evidence of noxious weeds or wind or water <br />erosion on any of these reseeded areas. Areas recently excavated were being backfilled with <br />overburden and graded to finish contours. Again, the operator should be recognized for an <br />outstanding effort of land management at the Carr Gravel Resources Pit. <br />8. The operator has implemented a number of water management practices that demonstrate a <br />significant effort toward protection and enhancement of Lone Tree Creek to the northeast. <br />Lone Tree Creek is a shortgrass prairie, perennial stream with valuable riparian vegetation, <br />ie: willows and cottonwoods. (Lone Tree Creek is a significant feature in the immediate and <br />surrounding area as ranchers rely heavily on the creek as their primary source of water for <br />their cattle). First, the operator has installed and maintained a large stormwater berm <br />along the northeastern portion of the Phase 1 Area to capture stormwater runoff from <br />significant events over disturbed portions of the mine and plant site. This drainage control <br />helps to facilitate percolation of such runoff and recharge of the Lone Tree Creek alluvium. <br />Second, the operator has installed a significant weir structure into the channel of Lone Tree <br />Creek for water intake purposes which has helped to maintain .the integrity of the channel <br />