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• (Page 21 • MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-94-053 INSPECTION DATE 02/25/97 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of 112 permits. The operator was contacted about the inspection, and a time was arranged to meet at the site. The operator was present throughout the inspection. The site is identified by a permit ID sign posted near the entrance to the pit. Boundaries are marked by posts on the east, fencelines and survey markers on the west. If earthmoving for the relocation of the power poles (described below) at the north end may possibly damage any surveyed boundary markers, placement of a more substantial marker may be advisable (placing boulders was discussed). This permit area is within a large agricultural property owned by the operator. The site is currently being mined, with concurrent reclamation also. Slopes being mined are maintained close to 3:1, which helps to keep earthmoving costs associated with reclamation at a minimum. The financial warranty is 525,000, and is considered sufficient to perform final reclamation, based on current disturbance and the approved reclamation plan. A current reclamation cost estimate may be prepared in the near future, and the figures forwarded to the operator for review. This permit area adjoins another one IM-91-096) which is also operated by Mr. Appelhanz. This permit area includes a mesa top (pasture or rangeland) and a natural hill slope (rock and brush). The pit is excavated to about 30 feet deep, daylighting on the east. A part of the hill slope is within the permit area. The pit is mined to the west into the hill, with the resulting slope on the west. The permit area also adjoins a permit operated by Delta S & G IM-94-0971. Where these two permits abut, the pit floors could join each other without leaving an unmined ridge between them, if the two parties can coordinate their mining activities. If this is not possible, the remaining ridge will have to be sloped according to the approved reclamation plan. There is a 4.3 ac 1+/-1 parcel of farmland )owned by this operator) lying west of the south end of the permit area, which separates this permit from the adjoining one operated by Delta S & G. This operator asked about amending the permit to include this parcel. To do so requires a 1 1 2 permit amendment, which involves submittal of a complete 1 1 2 application, and a S 1 ,550fee. Ii this might be an option the operator wishes to pursue, the inclusion of the adjoining 110 permit (Appelhanz Pit 1 & 3, M-91-0961 might be considered in this amendment also. That would involve the release of the existing 110 permit land its requirement for annual fees). The operator has contacted the Division about having the local electric utility move several overhead power line poles from the middle of the permit area to the eastern edge or offsite. This move is planned to occur at some indefinite date, but will enhance the operation of the pit. As it exists now, some of the power poles are perched on unmined "peninsulas" or "islands" of gravel. Better postmining topography and powerline stability will result from the realignment of the power line. Since the realignment is not mining-related, nor will it result in any different reclamation specifications (e.g., sloping, topsoil or revegetation requirements) there will be no need for applying for a technical revision or amendment to the permit. The operator is encouraged, however, to keep this Division apprised of onsite developments, at least through the annual reports. The topsoil for the currently disturbed area is located in a linear pile at the south end on the west edge of the permit. It appears to be adequately protected and of sufficient volume for reclamation. No mining related disturbance has occurred in the north end of the permit. There was minimal equipment onsite, no permanent structures and no debris. There is no evidence of uncontrolled sediment or runoff. A few stockpiles of different products from the pit were present within the pit. This is a clean operation. There were no problems noted or other items discussed during the inspection I & ~E Contact Address )~,q (~ f ,_ Q ~ 1 ~ 7 J Irk _ b~ ~ L v I Steve Shuey, DMG I ^ CE NAME Tonv Appelhanz `~~ ~ ~ ~C/Y ^ BL OPERATOR Base Products ~ /~ ^ FS STREET 62339 W LaSalle Rd ~ /_ ~ ^ HW T.t1YV~3 d , Ct H CITY/STATE/ZIP Montrose CO 81401 Y ^ ) HMWMD (C ^ SE ^ WOCD (CHI ^ OTHER