INSPEC44635

• Permit No: M1987151
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: MINERALS PROGRAM INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 12/19/1996
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

(Page 21 •
MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M$7-751
INSPECTION DATE 12/19/96 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE
OBSERVATIONS
This complete inspection was conducted by Wally Erickson from the Colorado Division of Minerals
and Geology (DMG) field office in Durango, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO
81301, phone [phone]. Mr. Timothy Roberts, of Montrose County, accompanied the DMG
inspector throughout the inspection. The Soderquist Pit is located approximately 6.5 miles SE of
Cimarron, at 7300' elevation, in portions of the SE 1 /4 of the SE 114 of Section 29, T48N, R6W,
NMPM, Montrose County.
No activity was observed at the mine site during the time of this inspection. DMG inspector
attempted to contact landowner at ranch house, no contact made, DMG card was left in the door.
No one was observed at the ranch or at the mine site. Approximately 4" snow cover existed at the
mine site.
The 110 county permit was issued on 10/28/87 for extraction of sand and gravel from John
Soderquist's ranch. Permitted activities included excavations to 15' depth, gravel crushing, material
sorting and stockpiling. Operation was approved to affect 9.0 acres. Operator stated that
following commencement of mining activities, surface ownership changed from John Soderquist
to Grant and Tammy Scheer. Grant and Tammy Scheer have apparently indicated that they do not
desire mining activities to continue. Operator submitted copy of note from Taurara Scheer (970)
240-4801, stating that the landowners are satisfied with existing conditions. Copy of note from
Taurara Scheer attached. DMG requires verification from the landowner, stating that access to the
mine site has been denied to the operator for reclamation purposes.
Mine identification sign and affected area perimeter markers, required by Rule 3.1.12, were not
evident. Maintenance of signs and markers are required until reclamation is complete and permit
is terminated. New signs and markers may not be required if DMG receives verification from the
landowner, stating that access for reclamation purposes has been denied. However, if the
landowner grants access to the operator, for reclamation of existing mining disturbances only,
additional signs and markers will be required until completion of reclamation activities.
Mining operations have resulted in a bench area and highwall. Highwall was visually estimated at
20' height and 1.5H:1 V slope. Highwall slope appeared well vegetated; cottonwoods, willows and
wooly mullein stalks were evident. Affected area was approximately 0.5 acres. Bench area is
currently being utilized as storage area for ranch debris. Coils of wire fence materials, old gates,
timbers, tires, railroad ties and cast iron stove were stored at the bench.
Annual reports, submitted by the operator for years 1991-1995, indicate that 9 acres have been
backfilled, graded, topsoil replaced to 3" depth and seeded. Reclamation plan requires highwall
reduction to 3H:1 V slope, topsoil replacement to 3"- 6" depth, all affected areas seeded with a
mixture of smooth brome grass, orchard grass and clover or alfalfa. Straw mulch was to be applied
following seeding. Observations made during this inspection and recorded in this inspection report,
do not support that reclamation has been completed. Please amend annual report for 1996 to
accurately depict current conditions.