Laserfiche WebLink
III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of <br />observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any <br />enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence <br />supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. This former, contour <br />strip operation is bond revoked. Inspection frequency is quarterly, <br />with one complete inspection each year. Ground conditions on this <br />day were very dry. The weather was warm and breezy. <br />Roads <br />The road to the south into section 22 remains very rutted due to <br />poor drainage. It was passable due to dry conditions but would not <br />be passable if wet or snow-covered. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />Ponds 15-P8, 15-P2, and 22P-4 were found about '-~ full of water. The <br />water was very clear indicating significant resident time in each <br />pond. None of the ponds were discharging. Ponds 15-P11, 15-P12, 15- <br />P20, 22-P17, 22-P10, 22P5, and 22-P6 were found dry. Pond 15-P20 is <br />nearly full of sediment to the emergency spillway. The primary <br />spillway riser was not visible inside the pond and is likely buried <br />by sediment. Significant erosion above this pond is likely the <br />cause/source of this problem. All pond embankments appeared in good <br />condition and spillways appeared normal and capable of proper <br />function with the exceptions noted. The ditch north and east of <br />reclaimed pond 15-P1 has downcut about six feet above the box <br />culvert under the county road and should be repaired if money is <br />available. <br />Reveaetation <br />The growing season is just beginning due to moderate precipitation <br />during the winter months and the recent warm temperatures. The <br />reclaimed area of pond 15-P1 is showing signs of growth of seeded <br />species. Drill rows are evident with small, cool season grasses <br />emerging. Older reclaimed areas are greening up with smooth brome <br />grasses beginning vigorous growth. The site needs precipitation, as <br />does much of the state. Drought conditions of the past three years <br />have set back the progress of the reclamation, especially on steep, <br />south facing slopes. Rills and small gullies are common. Cattle <br />were not noted on the reclaimed areas but without a fence to stop <br />them, they will likely graze reclaimed lands during the spring and <br />summer months. Local landowner fencing has protected some of the <br />reclaimed areas. <br />3 <br />