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(Page 2) lfINE ID }` OR PROSPECTING ID $ M-93-059 INSPECTION DATE 11 3 95 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS TAS 1. A Bite inepection was made of the Mid-Western Farms operation near Holly. The operation ie permitted for 1470 acres of affected land with a maximum allowable disturbance of 108.2 acres at any one time. The operator is permitted for mining with a suction dredge and will mine in 4 aeperate phases. The operator will reclaim the disturbed area to cropland, wildlife habitat, and recreational use. The revised reclamation plan specifies creation of 2 large lakes in the center of the property. Mining began at the site in 1994 and the operator is currently in the second year of Phase 1 of the mine plan. 2. The previous site inepection was conducted on November 4, 1994. At that time there were several problems noted by this inspector with the stockpiling of topsoil. Specifically, two large stockpiles had not been stabilized and there was potential for lose of salvaged topsoil into the dredge pond. Since then the operator has continued to add more topsoil to the existing stockpiles and has not adequately completed the requested corrective actions. Mr. Sam Grasmick was the general manager at that time. Less than 2 weeks ago Mr. Robert Miller became the new general manager. Mr. Miller explained that Mid-Western Farms did not seed the stockpiles as requested during the winter of 1994-1995 for fear of seeding failure, ae suggested by local farmers. Mr. Miller further explained that the local farmers recommend a spring seeding for best success. 3. Although there was no evidence of topsoil lose at either of the north or south topsoil stockpiles, both this inspector and Mr. Miller agreed that corrective actions should be implemented immediately in order to stabilize the stockpiles. This inspector requested that all edges of the stockpiles be shaped to a at able configuration and that a protective cover be placed over the stockpiles within 30 days. The stockpiles should be shaped eo that there is no potential for mixing of topsoil with overburden or for erosion of topsoil into the active dredge pond. A suitable protective cover includes either a "crimped" layer of mulch or a layer of manure. This inspector also requested the operator to seed the stockpiles in the spring of 1996 with a cover crop recommended by the Soil Conservation Service. See page 3 for corrective actions. 4. A concern was also noted in that the operator did not know the exact number of acres disturbed. An Annual Report submitted to the Division by Mr. Grasmick on January 25, 1995 indicated that there were 80 acres disturbed during the 1994 season and that an additional 25 acres were expected to be disturbed in 1995. Therefore, Mr. Grasmick was projecting a total disturbance of 105 acres, just under the maximum limit of 108.2 acres. At the time of the November 3, 1995 inspection it appeared that there was potential for disturbance of more than 108.2 acres. Therefore, this inspector requests that Mr. Miller have a survey of the total disturbed area conducted by a qualified person and submit the results to the Division within 30 days. See page 3 for corrective actions. 5. A final concern was noted with respect to signs and markers. There was no visible entrance sign as required by Rule 3.1.12 of the Construction Material Rules and Regulations. Markers to identify the entire 1470 permitted acres were not inspected. Again, this inspector requested the operator to correct this concern within 30 days. See page 3 for corrective_actions. A copy pf Rule 3.1.1 i~ attached too this report. /6. Mr. Grasmick-inquired about permitting procedures to be followed in the event that Mid- tiiS7eeter-n-F.~ms decides to modify the mining and/or reclamation plan. I suggested to Mr. Grasmick to familiarize himself with the existing permit, determine if changes are necessary, ~and-then consult with the Division to assess whether those changes will require a technical revision or an amendment to the permit. I & E Contact Address cc: Jim Stevens, DMG ^ CE NAME Mr. Robert Miller ^ BL OPERATOR Mid-Western Farms ^ FS STREET 32349 U.S. Hwv 50 ^ HW CITY(STATE(2IP Holly. CO 81047 ^ HMWMD (CH)