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f l S (Page 21 MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1976-027 INSPECTION DATE 6-29-2000 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This was a routine partial inspection of the Craig pit, performed as part of the Division's ongoing monitoring program for mine sites in Colorado, and to evaluate the site conditions for use in recalculating and updating the reclamation cost estimate and, if necessary, adjusting the financial warranty. The pit highwall has been excavated to a near vertical slope with the crest excavated to approximately 2-4 feet from the north permit boundary of the pit section of the permit area. The current reclamation cost estimate is based on a balanced cut and fill reduction of the highwall which is no longer possible on the north side. The highwall appears to be taller and longer than the dimensions used for the reclamation cost estimate. The current highwall appears to be approximately 60 feet tall and 550 to 600 feet long. The bond calculation was based on cut and fill reduction of a highwall that is 50 feet tall and 500 feet long. The current reclamation cos[ estimate is based on a disturbed area of 12 acres, current disturbed area is estimated at 16 acres. Current excavation has created a pit approximately 20 feet deep below the approved pit floor. The mining plan and reclamation plan must be revised to address this scenario. Based on this information alone, it is evident that the site is currently underbonded. The Division will be recalculating the reclamation cost estimate, based on approved permit conditions and current site conditions. The estimate will be forwarded to Nielsons, Inc. upon completion. Musk thistle was noted at various places around the site. Nielsons, Inc. has sprayed for these in past years, but no evidence of recent weed control was noted. Because of recurring weed problems, Nielsons will need to submit a weed control plan for this site that addresses monitoring and control programs to be conducted annually. The plan should be drafted with input from the county weed control authority. The stockpile/processing area on the west side of the permit area is in reclamation. The majority of the portion that lies east of the drainage that bisects this area is well vegetated with alfalfa. The portion that lies west of that drainage is mostly covered in bindweed. Nielsons will need to address this problem in the weed control plan. The boundaries of the stockpile/processing area were not identifiable due to a lack of boundary markers. Nielsons, Inc. will need to install boundary markers around this area as required by Rule 3.1.12. Silt fencing that was installed around the pre-existing overburden pile in the southeast corner of the site needs to be replaced and extended to prevent additional sedimentation around that pile. The east side of that pile appears to be pushing the east boundary and should be reworked to keep it within the permit boundary. It appears that material has been added to the top of this historic pile, as vegetation is non-existent in many places. This and other topsoil/overburden stockpiles that are not well vegetated and will not be utilized for fill this year will need to be revegetated or stabilized against erosion and weed infestation by some other method. The approved mining plan indicates that topsoil and subsoil will be stockpiled separately. The permit maps do not indicate which piles on site are topsoil. All are labeled as overburden. Nielsons Inc. must determine what topsoil resources are available at the site, stockpile them separately from other materials, and revise the permit maps to indicate where the topsoil is stockpiled and how much is available for reclamation. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Steve Shuey at the Division's Durango Field Office. The address is; Division of Minerals and Geology, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, Colorado 81301, phone no. 970-247-5062. I & E Contact Address cc: Tom Gillis, DMG NAME OPERATOR STREET CITY/STATE/ZIP Dounlas L. Conger Nielsons. Inc. P. 0. Box 1660 Cortez. Colorado 81321 ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD ICH) ^ SE ^ WOCD ICH) ^ OTHER