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<br />An inspection of the United / Norwood Pit was conducted on August 20, 2001. The permitted area consist of 83.3 acres of <br />which approximately 20 are disturbed. Richard Johnson of United Companies accompanied the inspector. The following <br />issues and observations were made: <br />Signage and boundary markers were in place per Rule 3.1.12. A fence line denoted on the mining plan map was <br />observed as well as survey lath in approximate location of phase boundaries. Exact boundaries between San Miguel <br />County Pit and the Norwood Pit are vague, but a shared permit boundary does not create a conflict in this area. <br />Highwalls in the excavation area of Phase 1 and 2 were approximately 50 feet in height. Approximately 1400 feet of high <br />wall exist within the pit. The slope of the excavation was estimated at 1:1 on all sides. Excavation has taken place right <br />up to the permit boundary in the southeast corner of Phase 1 and the southwest corner of Phase 2. The Mine Plan calls <br />for 3:1 excavation along permit boundaries. A fence line along this permit boundary is in danger of falling in the pit. <br />Materials from the unstable edge were observed falling into the pit. The Mine Plan calls for a berm between the <br />excavation boundary and the permit boundary. In the pit's current state this is not possible. <br />Ponds denoted on the mining plan were not in the locations shown. A pond matching the general size noted on the <br />Mining Map was observed in the northwest corner of Phase 1, along with another settling pond. A clay lined pit was also <br />observed in the southwest corner of Phase 5 with approximate dimensions of 150' x 100'. A 4 inch hose and valve <br />assembly in a protective barrel housing was observed in the southwest corner of the Phase 5 pond that appeared to feed <br />to the lower ponds in Phase 1. No well as noted on the map and within the permit documentation was observed. The <br />source for the pit water per the permit was not noted. <br />The temporary asphalt plant and associated structures were observed in the central part of Phase 1. A large tanker for <br />fuel or asphalt cement was noted. No secondary containment berm was in place per the permit requirements. <br />Topsoil and overburden piles are located in Phase 2 with a smaller topsoil pile in Phase 5. No erosion control was <br />observed in place on the piles. Russian Thistle was the only vegetation noted growing in the storage areas. The topsoil <br />in Phase 2 appears to be being contaminated with the use overburden soils in large quantities for a haul road berm. <br />Topsoil and overburden storage areas in Phase 2 are located in direct line with current excavation. The mining plan calls <br />for these piles to be located where the current settling ponds exist, out of the excavation path. <br />Reclamation along the west end of the pit appears to be healthy and stable. The area is graded to a 3:1 slope. Natural <br />grasses up to 24 inches in length were observed. An infestation of Canadian Thistle was noted in the area. Some <br />patches appeared to have been treated, while others were growing vigorously. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Minerals and Geology, Grand <br />Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-1117. <br />I & E Contact Address <br />NAME Richard Johnson <br />OPERATOR United Companies <br />STREET P.O. Box 3609 <br />CITY/STATE2IP Grand Junction. CO 81502 <br />cc: <br />^ CE <br />^ BL <br />^ FS <br />^ HW <br />^ HMWMD (CH) <br />^ SE <br />X WOCD (CH) <br />^ OTHER <br />