INSPEC38514

• Permit No: C1982055
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 6/15/2004
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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 was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of
Minerals and Geology. This former underground mine is reclaimed. Remaining buildings
and structures are approved to remain as permanent structures. Ground conditions were
dry and the weather was warm. Mr. Albert luppa, landowner, visited with me prior to the
inspection.
Availability of Records
The public copy of the mine records is kept at the office of the Las Animas County Clerk at
the county courthouse in Trinidad. All required records were easily located with the following
exception; 2Q 2003 refuse pile and pond inspection reports. The DMG has copies of these
reports at our office. Please place a copy of these two reports at the public records site. The
details of the records inspection can be found on page 2a of this report.
Hydrologic Balance
The sediment pond held water about 6 inches below the top of the riser. Water in the pond
was clear indicating no recent runoff, consistent with past and prevailing dry conditions. The
pond embankment and spillway appeared normal and in good condition.
Ditches and culverts around the site were checked and all found functional. Contour ditches
on the refuse slope remain breach-free.
Revegetation
Western wheatgrass, smooth brome, and cicer milkvetch continue to flourish due to optimum
spring moisture. Warm season grasses are beginning to grow due to warm temperatures but
have not begun to set seed heads. The interseeded area where sediment pond material
was re-spread is responding well with good establishment of seeded species along with the
normal compliment of annual weeds. Cattle or evidence of grazing were not observed on the
reclamation. The gate to the topsoil pile footprint area was found closed. This area is well
vegetated and shows no sign of rills or erosion. This is the ninth growing season of the
minimum ten-year liability period for revegetation. The operator indicated that Phase III
vegetation sampling would begin on June 16, 2004.
The small patch of whitetop mentioned in last month's report appears to have been sprayed.
A few remaining healthy plants were noted. Continued monitoring and spraying of this area
should eradicate this noxious and aggressive weed species.
As shown in the photograph, vegetation on the refuse outslope is doing remarkably well with
many grass plants and some fortis becoming established. Silver sage was also observed in
significant numbers. Plants now have significant size and may be more capable of soil
stabilization on this erosion-prone area.