INSPEC46312

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 7/12/2001
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during
the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the
facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This was a complete inspection of the New Horizon Mine for the month of October, 2001. The purpose
of this inspection is to conduct a Phase II and III Bond Release as well as normal operations and
environmental compliance. The weather was clear and warm.
AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS: Records were inspected and found to be in compliance. See page 5
of this report for further details.
ROADS: Haul roads and the BB road detour was inspected and no problems were noted.
HYDROLOGIC BALANCE: Mine 1: Ponds 1 and 6 had water in them but only 1 was discharging as
normal, ponds 2 & 4 were dry and pond 5 had water in it but was not discharging. All ditches and culverts
are functioning as designed. Mine 2: Pond 8 had water in it but was not discharging. All ditches and
culverts were clear and capable of functioning as designed. Pond 7 was discharging but was not sampled
by the Division.
BACKFILL & GRADING: B & G was in progress as is normal. No problems were noted. The land
continues to be reclaimed to the approved post mining topography map and no low spots were noted.
EXPLOSIVES: Records were inspected and found to be incompliance. All blasting procedures are being
followed and seismograph's readings are available for all but parting shot blasts.
TOPSOIL: Topsoiling this time is being accomplished with truck and shovel as time permits and is being
spread by dozers to the proper depth. A visual inspection of the recently topsoiled area indicated that the
appropriate depths are being obtained if not exceeded.
GENERAL MINE COMPLIANCE: The mine continues to exert an outstanding effort to comply with all
rotes and regulations of the Colorado DMG.
RECLAMATION SUCCESS: A Phase II 8 III bond release on the mine 1 area was performed. Although
notices of the scheduled bond release inspection were sent out by the mine and the Division, no other
parties were present for the inspection. All of Mine 1, with the exception of the Rice Tract area was
inspected for release. All portions of the release area conformed to AOC and vegetation was diverse and
sufficient to prevent erosion.
The bond release application contained an extensive study of the vegetation as well as an in-depth report
of the hydrologic balance. This study recommends, and the Division concurs, that all requirements of
the Colorado Mined Land Rules and Regulations have been complied with and that a Phase II and III
Bond release is warranted.
Pond removal and access road reclamation is to be accomplished within the next six months. This
reclamation will be inspectable until such time as vegetation is sufficient enough to control erosion
comparable to the surrounding lands. A comprehensive Findings document will be prepared by the
Division that will address the Phase II and III bond release process and inspection.