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~: • (Page 21 t MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1999-025 INSPECTION DATE 11-28-2000 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) monitoring program for permitted mines in Colorado. The access road into the site is paved and gated with a mine identification sign posted and in compliance. Perimeter markers, some in the form of fence lines are in place. Phase I is mined out and has a wetland area created in the southwest corner. The wetland is an area of the pit approximately 100 feet by 100 feet that has been backfilled to within 1-2 feet below the water surface. The area was created earlier in 2000 and already has cattails and other aquatic vegetation becoming established. The Phase I pit is being used as a settling pond for the wash plant and the pit dewatering occurring in Phase II. The pond was discharging an estimated 30 gpm during the inspection. The operator indicated that they sample as directed by their NPDES permit when the pond is discharging. Discharge is to the Colorado River at the northwest corner of Phase I. The banks around Phase 1 are to be topsoiled and seeded in the near future. Wetland areas along the south side of Phase I do not appear to have been affected by the mining operation. Phase II is nearly mined out. The excavation is approximately 12-15 feet deep with approximately 4-6 feet of overburden. Mining is progressing east toward Phase IV which is already partially stripped of vegetation. The operator indicated that a revision is forthcoming that will rearrange the phase sequence. The sequence change should not be a problem as long as Phases V, VI, and VII are not mined until the engineering design and bonding for the inlet and outlet structures have been submitted to, and approved by DMG, or the permit has been revised so these structures are no longer part of the reclamation plan. This will most likely require approval of those plans by both the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in addition to DMG approval. Processing and stockpiling were taking place in Phase IX as specified in the permit. A portable scales is set up where the access road enters the pit. A crusher, conveyors, wash plant and dewatering pump were located on site in addition to the loaders and bulldozers working the pit. The crusher was just being brought in for another round of crushing. No noxious weeds were noted in the areas affected by mining operation. No revegetation has been performed to date. The excavation is approaching the location where the islands are to be left to protect several mature cottonwoods. The operator is reminded that a 15 foot buffer is to be left between the drip line of the trees and the top of the excavation slope. The operator indicated that they will most likely need to set up a watering system for the cottonwoods to keep them alive during pit dewatering and excavation around the islands. Disturbance at the site is currently less than that accounted for in the reclamation bond. If topsoil application and revegetation of Phase I are conducted prior to excavation of Phase IV the financial warranty should remain adequate. Three bald eagles have reportedly returned to the nest across the river from Phase I. Two eagles were seen flying above the pit during this inspection. 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 / CE - ~a no)y Db,~C~ ~ G.J . O~C Q NAME Ed Settle ^ BL / OPERATOR Grand Junction Pioe and Suoolv ^ FS STREET P. 0. Box 1849 ^ HW CITY/STATE/ZIP Grand Junction. Colorado 81502 ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WOCD (CH) ^ OTHER