Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1979-205 <br />IN°,PECTION DATE: 717/04 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal review program established by the Colorado Division of <br />Minerals and Geology for amendments to a permitted site. The MMM /Chambers Pit currently is located on the <br />north side of the Colorado River and south of Highway 6, a few miles east of Rifle. The Amendment {AM-2) <br />proposes to add in additiona152.6 acres on the south side of the river and conveyor the materials to the current site. <br />Mr. Bill Bailey, United's Operational Manager for the site, accompanied the inspector for the inspection. <br />Tlie 52.6 acres is primarily pristine river bottomlands with wetlands and sloughs. Typical vegetation includes <br />cottonwood trees at various life stages, serviceberry, willows, various other natural shrubs and grasses. Also noted <br />were substantial thickets of tamarisk and Russian olive as well as Russian knapweed. These three plants are listed as <br />noxious species that require control. The infestations could have a rriajornnpact on reclamation efforts, particulazly <br />since topsoil is not abundant at the site. The Division will require United to submit a nlan for the control of these <br />azid any other noxious weeds from the start. It is imperative that the entire site is treated and a diligent maintenance <br />program established. Eradication of these species will probably be close to impossible, however consistent <br />documented good faith efforts may allow the site to be released with the presence of the plants still onsite at a future <br />date. <br />Within the Area to be added is some debris and trash that need to be noted for the operator's benefit. A goup <br />appazently leased part of the land for a paintball site. There is numerous blinds setup in the proposed Phase 1 Area <br />built out ofpallets, various natural materials and plastic 55-gallon drums. All drums observed appeazed to be clean, <br />but they aze scattered through out this area. The inspector suggests to United that it pick up the barrels and dispose <br />of them properly to avoid any questions later on by the Division staff or any other agency that visits the site. <br />Une of the questions to be addressed with the Preliminary Adequacy Review (PAR) is how materials are to be <br />moved from Phase 1 and 2 to the Surge Pile Area. Mr. Bailey clarified that conveyors will be used across Phase 3 to <br />this point. More detail will be necessary and requested within the PAR. <br />No other issues were noted for this pre-operational inspection. All permenant man made features appear to be <br />addressed. Other issues wilt be addressed within the PAR. <br />Enclosed Photo Log: <br />1) Proposed north side of river conveyor crossing. <br />2) North Conveyor route to current pit azea <br />3) Knapweed, tamarisk, natural vegetation in Phase 3 <br />4) South river bank looking east from south river conveyor crossing area <br />5) South side of river conveyor crossing <br />6) South river bank looking west from south river crossing azea <br />7) Old oxbow / slough facing west, photo is to the north towazds river <br />8) Old oxbow / slough facing west, photo is to the south towards Interstate 70 <br />9) River bank looking east at entrance of oxbow to river <br />10) River bank looking west at entrance of oxbow to river <br />11) Pastureland at faz west of proposed expansion, looking west <br />12) Pastureland at far west of proposed expansion, looking east <br />