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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1978-349 INSPECTION DATE 5/20/03 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM This inspection was preformed as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology. The Dick Casey Concrete Pit is a 112c permitted site located 2 miles east of Rifle, Colorado on Highway 6. Operator s representative Shawn Vondette accompanied the inspector. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and incompliance with Rule 3.1.12. The sign is located on the main gate adjacent to the railroad crossing into the site. The permit boundaries are comprised of t-posts and fence lines that are easily identifiable. The southern boundary is a little convoluted as it is shared with a separate permitted site and both operators work within this area. However, it does not present a problem and is noted as such. A large stockpile of overburden has cheat grass and some beneficial grasses helping with erosion control. Russian thistle (tumbleweed) and other annual weeds appear to be coming in but they are considered to be helpful in keeping the pile stable and do not appear to be problematic. (Photo #4 of the attached photos shows the stockpile.) Noxious and/or problematic weed infestation was observed within the affected area. The infestation, if not controlled, will most likely hinder and/or delay successful reclamation of this site and contribute to off-site spreading and establishment of these weeds. A weed control plan developed in consultation with, and approved by, the appropriate local weed control authority must be submitted as a technical revision to this permit. Weed infestation is noted as a problem, with the corrective action(s) and correction date specified on the last page of this report. Significant progress toward control of on-site weeds must be demonstrated within three years to avoid potential Board action. A copy of this report will be sent to the appropriate weed control authority for this area. Specifically, there are 2 ponds on the west side of the permit area from past excavations. Tamarisk is noted along the banks. which must be addressed. fsee Photo #1 8 2). The slopes appear to be 3H:1V. There is some vegetation around the banks and top. Rabbit brush, Cattails and assorted grasses have taken hold and provide around 70% cover. No mining activity is currently being conducted. The operator is working the batch plant with stockpiled materials. The shop area and batch plant are clean and free of unnecessary debris. No fuel spills were noted and containers observed appeared to be in secondary containment. Documentation submitted by the operator to DMG in 2000 addressed the question of an augmentation plan or well permit. The documentation appears to have clarified the issue. No other water issues were noted. There were no erosion or sedimentation issues observed. Storm water appears to be controlled on site with little or none leaving the permitted area. In an effort to ensure the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim this site per the requirements of the approved reclamation plan, DMG will update the reclamation cost estimate. The estimate will be forwarded to the operator in the next 30 days. The last bond calculation was done in 1992. The operator should be forewarned that there could be a substantial increase due to the inflation of reclamation cost over 11 years. The Division tries to review the bonds every 3 to 4 years. For some reason, this site has been missed. Reclamation costs must include the removal of structures such as the shop building, concrete pads along with revegetation efforts. (Photo # 3) As a phased operation, the reclamation liability is considerably less than if the whole site were disturbed. No other issues were noted at this time. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3b Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-1117. I & E Contact Address cc: Steve Anthony Garfield County Weed Control NAME Shawn Vondette OPERATOR Dick Casev Concrete. Inc. STREET P.O. Box 1815 CITY/STATE/ZIP Rifle. Colorado 81650