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• (Page 21 • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-77-205 INSPECTION PATE i-11-2000 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This was the second pre-operational inspection of the expansion area proposed to be added to the Tri County Gravel Pit, through amendment application AM-01. The proposed expansion area now includes 91.3 acres located entirely within the boundaries of land owned by Thomas Curry and 23.7 adjacent acres that include the current mining area for Tri County Gravel. These 23.7 acres lie entirely within the boundaries of property owned by Richard Curry. This was a joint inspection conducted with Mr. Randy Snyder representing the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (A.C.O.E.1. Upon review of the proposed site and the application materials submitted November 29, 1999 it was determined that the mining and reclamation plan maps are not accurate in terms of elevation contours, the fence location between phase III and IV, the location and alignment of the Gunnison River Channel, possibly the location of some of the wetlands, and the location of the permit boundary on property northwest of the Vandiford ICarstenl Ditch which is not owned by the Curry family. The operator will need to identify all inaccuracies on the maps and provide corrected maps. The north end of Phase III and IV are actually estimated at 8-10 feet above the river, not 2-3 as depicted by the current map contours. This area also has numerous mature cottonwoods between the river and the proposed pit. This somewhat relieves the Divisions concerns regarding the potential for the river to divert into the pit at this location. However, the operator should ensure there is an adequate buffer between the pit and the river by making a commitment to refrain from mining any closer to each of these trees than 1.5 times the radius of each trees crown. All mature trees to be saved should be indicated on the permit maps with their respective buffer zones. Randy Snyder indicated that the A.C.O.E. will have jurisdiction over this amendment area because it is being added to a permit area that has an existing 404 Permit. Additionally, the reclamation plan requirements include tasks for replacement of topsoil and other stabilization materials in wetland areas. The A.C.O.E. indicated that these tasks would require a 404 permit because they involve discharge of material into waters of the U. S. Though approval of the Amendment No. 2 application is not dependent on the operator securing a permit from the A.C.O.E., the operator must ensure all requirements of the A.C.O.E. are satisfied prior to discharging any material into waters of the U. S. The damage waiver for the fences, in Exhibit S of the application, specifies interior fences. There are perimeter fences along some portions of this proposed expansion area that must also be addressed. The damage waiver wording must specify that Tri County Gravel will be responsible for all repairs required as a result of damage caused by the mining operations. Five bald eagles were seen at the site during the inspection, They were roosting in the Mature cottonwood trees along the river to the north of the proposed expansion area. The operator should take necessary precautions to minimize disturbing the eagles. One such measure would be to exclude the northeast corner of the proposed Phase I North area as was proposed by Randy Snyder. This area contains a dense thicket of trees with numerous mature cottonwoods that would provide an excellent buffer for the river corridor and for eagle habitat. Responses to this inspection report should be sent to: Division of Minerals and Geology, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Steve Shuey. Steve Shuey can also be contacted at phone no. 970-247-5062. I & E Contact Address NAME Tom Currv OPERATOR Tri County Gravel STREET P. O. Box 566 CITYISTATElZIP Hotchkiss. Colorado 81419 cc: Tom Gillis, DMG $f CE -Randy Snyder - G. J. Office ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD ICHI ^ OTHER