2006-05-01_REVISION - M1985026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(Page 2) MINE ZD # OA PROSPBCTIMO ZD # M-1985-026 INSPBCTION DATE 1/17/06 INSPBCTOR'S INITIALS BSC OSSERVASIONS Thin was an inspection of the Challenger Pit conducted by Briea Crosby of the Division of Minerals and Geology. Richard Coulson of Coulson Excavating was present during the inspection. The inspection was conducted as a result of a citizen complaint letter dated October 3, 2005. The letter was written by Jennifer Landen of Lakota Lakes Ranch, LLC and expresses concerns that the land is not properly being reclaimed as per the approved reclamation plan. In addition, the letter states that the area has been overtaken with weeds, the pond on the southwest corner of the property was overlooked and no grass was ever planted, some of the reclaimed ponds do not have a 3h:ly elope, erosion features are noted on reclaimed slopes, and failure to plant any cottonwood trees. In regard to the issues noted above, the Division notes the Pollowingj The Challenger Pit is divided into two regions, Phase I and iI. Phase I consists of an undisturbed wetland area and a reclaimed pond. Phase II has been mined and reclaimed. The approved reclamation plan for Phase II states that three small ponds will remain once mining ie complete (Reclamation Plan Map- Exhibit P dated August 28, 1996). However, the operator has constructed one large groundwater pond !14 acres in size), one small groundwater pond (3 acres in size) and one small lined pond (4 acres in size). The constructed ponds are different thaa the approved plan, therefore, a revision to the permit must be submitted. Because one of the lakes hoe been lined the Division considers it a significant change to the reclamation plan, therefore, the revision must be filed as an amendment to the permit as described in the Divieion~s letter of April 6, 2004 (attached). An amendment to the permit must be submitted by March 31, 2006. This is noted ae a problem, see page 3 for compliance due dates. 2. In regard to the issue of weeds, the site was reclaimed in the spring of 2005. According to the operator, the site was seeded and heavy rain followed. Por the remainder of the summer of 2005, it was extremely dry. Due to the dry wtnter, the Division was able to assess the vegetation on site. Evidence of drill seeding was noted. Perennial grasses were noted, but annual weeds dominated the area. No noxious weeds were observed on site. Areas within the permit area were mowed in the Fall of ao05, which will help reduce the annual weed growth and promote the establishment of perennial grasses. Because the area has only experienced one-year growth, it is difficult to determine if all of the 2005 seeding hoe failed. Typically, vegetation starts to become wall eatabliahed during the second and third growing season. At this time the Division will not require any additional seeding of the area (with the exceptions noted below), but mowing should continue to reduce the annual weeds and allow the grasses to establish. The Division assumes that the °aouth east pond" referred to in the letter is the small groundwater pond that was used as a silt pond by the operator. The operator stated that they did not do any reclamation of the pond because the former operator of the site, Challenger, constructed it. However, when the permit was transferred to Coulson ~ccavating, Coulson assumed the reclamation responsibility for the entire alts (with exception to the areas that may have beett released). in addition, Coulson used the pond as a silt pond during the mining operation and the permit references reclamation of the pond. Therefore, Coulson will need to grade and revegetate the silt pond in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. 4. The pond slopes were inspected and erosion features and steep alopea were noted on the large groundwater pond. The operator will need to grade the alopea to achieve a 3h:ly ratio and repair the three erosion features noted on the north and west alopea of the pond. The areas that require regrading will need to be reseeded with the approved seed mixture. Documentation demonstrating compliance in the form of photographs must be submitted to the Division by May 1, 2006. This is noted ae a problem, see page 3 for compliance due dates.