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• (Page 21 • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID 1f M-81-229 INSPECTION DATE 5/20/99 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Construction Materials 112 permits. The operator was contacted about the inspection and the representative named on page one was present for the operator throughout the inspection. The permit area entrance is now at the gate at the highway turnoff. The permit ID sign is posted there. The newly added paved access road is in good condition, and the width of the affected area is limited to a corridor no more than 50 feet wide, as required by the permit (see Amendment AM-01, 19971. The permit boundary around the pit is irregular, but adequately marked by green steel T-posts, with orange tops. The old access road was observed. It is no longer used by the operator, and exhibits a fairly good cover of vegetation. It probably is still travelled on by ATVs, and would probably benefit from some sort of earthen barrier or jersey barrier placed at its ends to discourage such traffic. It would also benefit by another grass seeding, since most of the observed vegetation is annual weeds, and the operator is obliged to reclaim this area. Part of the permitted area lies west of the haul road into the pit area. The southwest corner of the permit area extends all the way to the section corner, marked on the ground by the BLM survey marker on the south fenceline. Therefore, the small pit (used for borrow material for the new road) on the west of the haul road is in the permit area. That affetced area is less than an acre, and is partially reclaimed. It is not fully mined out, compared with the land delineated on the map. At this time, to reclaim what disturbance there is, would require further grading of the pit slopes, spreading whatever soil or growth medium the plan calls for and revegetation. Existing cut slopes on this hill do not exhibit any soil at all, so if the plan requires that soil be used for reclamation, the operator will have to bring it here from other portions of this permit area or from another permit area. The main pit appears to be actively used. There were several product stockpiles and an active highwall. A portable scale and scale house were observed in the pit. The north wall of the pit, though not yet eMended to the north permit boundary, was well graded to a 3:1 slope. That surface may be temporary or permanent, but is presently stable and requires minimal final reclamation. The east wall is actively excavated: it is about 200 feet long and 10 feet high, nearly vertical. The pit daylights to the south and west. The pit floor is level, there was no observable seepage or ponding, and a stormwater berm was placed along the west edge of the pit. There was no debris, junk equipment or weediness at the site. This is a clean and orderly operation. The only concern for this site, though it not a problem in the context of this report, is the successful revegetation of all disturbed areas. Little to no topsoil exists on this gravelly hilltop and sideslopes. The best topsoil is probably in the draw (near the haul road) though most of the draw is not in the permitted area. All upper layer material and fines, etc. should be meticulously salvaged, protected and respread promptly if possible, for best results. The pit is not in its reclamation phase now, but the possible revegetation difficulty should be kept in mind for future efforts. As always, all reclamation performed should be adequately reported in the annual reports. That which will not be redisturbed may be claimed for bond reduction (per release request steps described in Rule 4.161• The bond was recalculated in 1997. The amount will be re-evaluated soon far adequacy. It may include tasks which are already performed, and which could be released. There were no problems noted during this inspection. For all questions or responses to this report, please contact this inspector at the following address or phone: 484 Turner Dr., Bldg. F-101, Durango CO 81301; tel 970/247-5193 or fax 970/247-5104.