INSPEC41429 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

(Page 3) MINE ID JJ OR PROSPECTING ID !/ M-1994-005 INSPECTION DATE 2/23/01 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO manage its natural degradation onsite in a dry location This may be through spreading it thinly over soil or a roadway and tilling it periodically to volatize the hydrocarbons. Please see the last page for the correction date Most recent activities include topsoil stripping from Phase IV, stockpiling some of it along the west edge of that phase, and hauling much of it to the NW floor of Phase I. Native topsoil depth varies, but overall it appears to be a foot deep or more. The approved reclamation plan states that 12 to 18 inches of topsoil depth will be replaced. The operator should endeavor to salvage and protect sufficient quantities for reclaiming the site. This should include replacing as much newly- stripped topsoil on areas in final reclamation as possible, to either enhance the revegetation or to reduce the bond. The first topsoil stripped from Phase I was stockpiled along the west edge of that phase. That linear berm was placed such that its west toe is at the highway right-of-way fenceline land permit boundary line) and the east toe is at the top of the pi[ highwall slope. The approved plan called for leaving a 20-foot wide unexcavated bench between the berm and the shoulder of the slope for equipment access. There is no room for the topsoil to slump to the west and still remain within the permit boundary; there is no room for it to slump to the east and still protect the slope; and removing it during reclamation will be complicated due to lack of operating room. New topsoil berms being constructed in Phase IV should not crowd the permit boundary, and the highwall shoulder should not crowd the toe of the topsoil berm. Following prior practices may result in violations for offsite damage, problems from degradation of topsoil, or simply higher reclamation costs. The permit requires that topsoil in stockpiles for more than one year be revegetated to protect it from erosion and weeds. This has not been carried out conscientiously on the site in the past, and the operator has been reminded several times that grass should be planted and the annual weeds treated. One of the reasons for inadequate vegetative cover is that stockpile sideslopes are too steep to hold grass seed or moisture; another reason is neglect. This must change or reclamation costs will rise, to account for soil more difficult to revegetate and for controlling heavier weed populations. There is a line of trees along the northern permit boundary originally planted to establish a screen. There are at least two dead pine trees in that line, and possibly some dead deciduous trees, though it is hard to determine at this time of year. The operator should inspect the trees and promptly replace the dead ones. The recent annual report mentions the monitoring of an observed noxious weed infestation. There were no noxious weeds observed during this inspection, and the operator present during the inspection had no knowledge of its presence or location. The operator's diligence in monitoring and providing necessary treatment is appreciated. Please provide more information about this condition in future annual reports. The bond on this site is S 150,000, and was calculated in 1994. {t will be reviewed again in the near future, and the new figures will be sent to the operator. Any revisions to the mining and reclamation plans may influence the final figures. Upon notification that a bond increase is required, the operator has 60 days to provide it. There were no other items noted or discussed during this inspection. For all questions or responses to this report, please contact this inspector at the following address or phone: 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango CO 81301; tel 970/247-5193 or fax 970/247-5104. I & E Contact Address cc: Tom Gillis, DMG ^ CE NAME Rick Johnson ^ BL OPERATOR United Companies of Mesa County ^ FS STREET PO Box 3609 ^ HW CITY/STATE/ZIP Grand Junction, CO 81502 ^ HMWMD ICH) ^ SE ^ WOCD ICHI ^ OTHER cc: Sprague Mayger, United Companies of Mesa County, PO Box 1909, Montrose, CO 81402