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": <br />(Page 21 • <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-99-025 <br />INSPECTION DATE 3-18-99 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS SSS <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was apre-operational inspection of the proposed site far the Soaring Eagle Gravel Pit. The excavation and facilities <br />area are proposed to be located on an area that is currently irrigated pasture. There are several springs on the south side <br />of the proposed permit area that supply water to the site, in addition to the irrigation water. The site is generally a flat <br />flood plain of the Colorado River. <br />The landowner is currently postponing irrigation of the site, allowing for a study to determine which areas of the site meet <br />the criteria of a true wetland. Wetland mitigation is proposed for those wetlands to be adversely affected by the proposed <br />mining operation. The site has been surveyed for vegetative criteria resulting in several areas, including one along the <br />proposed access road site, being identified as having the vegetative characteristics of a wetland. A hydrologic study is <br />currently in progress to determine which of the potential wetland areas meet the hydrologic criteria of a wetland. <br />WestWater Engineering, Inc., of Grand Junction, has installed an array of shallow piezometers to determine groundwater <br />hydrologic conditions when irrigation of the proposed site is not taking place. Several of these piezometers, along the west <br />and north end of the site, were checked during this inspection. All but two were found to be dry. These two were located <br />in the southwest corner of the site, along the base of the bluff. <br />Vegetation across the site varies from dense, grass-covered pasture to thick willow and cottonwood patches to dry areas <br />that are sparsely vegetated with rabbitbrush and greasewood. The operator indicated that, at the request of the Division <br />of Wildlife, a second island will be left as part of the final reclamation, in addition to the island already indicated on the <br />reclamation plan map. The island will be located to preserve two large cottonwood trees located in the approximate center <br />of the proposed permit area. The island indicated on the reclamation plan map will preserve approximately five large <br />cottonwoods and some dilapidated old wooden sheds that the landowner wants preserved. The perimeter of the island, <br />above water level, will be located approximately at the drip line of these trees. <br />No noxious weeds were noted on the site. The riparian area along the river does have a significant stand of tamarisk, <br />which is not a noxious weed, but is an undesirable introduced weedy species. The understory of Russian knapweed, <br />common to so many stands of tamarisk along the Colorado River, was not evident at this site. <br />There are a variety of soil types on site. It is recommended that the operator determine how much topsoil will be necessary <br />to reclaim the site and commit to salvaging that amount of the best topsoil available on site (not including wetland soils <br />to be used for wetland reconstruction) for reclamation. The current commitment to salvage 6-8 inches of topsoil sitewide <br />will result in replacement of a topsoil that does not provide the greatest chance for successful and timely reclamation. <br />Permanent manmade structures noted on or within 200 feet of the site were several perimeter and cross-fences, the sheds <br />mentioned above, and a powerline that supplies power to the landowner's irrigation pump. <br />The proposed access road follows a path that locates it near the center of the landowners property, and takes advantage <br />of topography to minimize noise and line-of-sight to adjacent properties. The road is proposed to remain as permanent <br />access to the site for the landowner. <br />There is a Bald Eagle's nest on the island to the northwest of the site. The nest was not visible from the excavation and <br />facilities area of the site. The operator stated that the Division of Wildlife was not concerned about the proximity of the <br />pit to the nest. Documentation of this finding should be submitted to DMG. <br />I & E Contact Address <br />NAME Ed Settle <br />OPERATOR Grand Junction Pioe and Suooly <br />STREET P.0. Box 1849 <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP Grand Junction. CO 81502 <br />cc: Tom Gillis, DMG <br />^ CE -Randy Snyder -Grand Junction <br />^ BL <br />^ FS <br />^ HW <br />^ HMWMD (CH) <br />^ SE <br />^ WOCD (CHI <br />^ OTHER <br />