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ORIGINAL - POBLIC FILE (Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: ti+-Iea.san~ INSPECTION DATE: I I /?x/06 INSPECTOROS INITIALS: .--B~ OBSERVATIONS The Division conducted a monitoring inspection of the site as part of sites to be inspected during the fiscal years 2006-2007.The site is a small 110 clay mine located approximately 15 miles North East of Walsenburg Colorado in Pueblo County. Present during the inspection was Mr. Matt Welte, the operator. Site was not active at the time of the inspection. According to Matt approximately 2000 to 3000 tons of clay is mined each year, Along the South of the active pit area, there was some ponded water from the recent snow melt the area received. Top soil piles clearly identified even the pile lacked vegetation, given the texture of the material, and there was very little erosion features noted. What appeared to be processed small clay stockpile was noted along the south side of the active pit area. The north pit where mining has been completed is expected to be reclaimed no later than 3/31/2007, according to Mr. ED Johnston, the sub contractor who mines and trucks the material for Summit Brick & Tile CO. Approximately 4-5 acres appeared to have been disturbed at the time of the inspection. The existing financial warranty for the current disturbed area appeared to be adequate. However at the time of the inspection, the operator was placing basting caps in anticipation of opening an are along the South side of the exiting pit. Mr. Johnson wanted to know if he can extend the natural channel, to its new location to allow the flow of the natural drainage along the north west side of the new area to be mined, He was informed since the active mining are is along a dry gulch, and the natural channel is now part of the old mining area, whatever efforts are utilized to facilitate the natural flow and minimize the contribution of additional sediment to the gulch during a precipitations event is always acceptable by the Division and should be part of the storm water permit from CDOH&E. Given the fact that the material is not easily erodable, whatever efforts to more or less establish a natural flow to limit ponding of water are very desirable. Mr. Johnson agreed to create a channel similar in width to the natural channel to facilitate flow. Mr. Johnston also wanted to know during the recalamtion of the pit area, if it was acceptable to leave a high wall no bigger than eight foot in place. The site is very stable even now, so the Division will not object if a high wall not greater than eight feet is left after the site is back filled to a 3:1 slope Mr. Johnston agreed to back fill all areas to a 3:1 slope with the exception of the road cut along the dry gulch which appeared stable at the existing slope. To re disturbed this are will contribute unnecessary sediment you the dry gulch. Permit sign and boundary markers were properly posted.