2007-11-15_INSPECTION - M2007057

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M- INSPECTION DATE /07 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This was apre-operation inspection performed by the Division as part of its review of a new 110c permit application. The operator was contacted about the scheduled inspection. The operator's representative named on page one was present during the inspection. The notice that is required to be posted at the time of a permit application was observed. The proposed permit area boundary was marked by survey pins and flagged lath. (Please note: When the permit is issued, the operator must post a different sign at the site, one that is more durable and contains the information listed in Construction Materials Rule 3.1.12. Also, the permit boundary must be visibly and more durably marked, as required by that same rule.) The site lies immediately adjacent to the north edge of the Hwy 149 right-of-way, and consists of a natural hillslope mainly composed of a deep deposit of soil and small rock. Range vegetation is present throughout most of it, and several minor gullies cross the site. The southern edge of the site is an alluvial build-up about 6 to 8 feet deep (and higher than the highway borrow ditch). There is evidence that runoff is fairly rapid, and can potentially carry a significant sediment load to the borrow ditch at the highway. The proposed operation will result in a new hillslope surface that is similar to the present natural gradient, but also in a pit floor that daylights at or below the borrow ditch elevation, which will increase the capacity to retain runoff onsite, with less blockage to the culverts or overtopping of the highway, which occurs now. However, since runoff from the permitted area slope reports to the highway, now and in the future, the operator must ensure that stormwater and sediment are controlled onsite, with no offsite impacts. The site excavation will begin at the east end and progress westward. Slopes will be mined at the final reclamation gradient, so that very little additional grading work will be required for reclamation, which keeps the bond amount lower. The material being excavated is soil, and underlain by soil, so no soil replacement is required prior to seeding, which also keeps the bond lower. The far east end of the site is "Airport Corner" which is where CDOT wishes to have better sight distance, and about 130 feet (horiz.) of the 15-ft tall outcrop there will be made to a1:1 slope. There will be no processing and minimal stockpiling onsite. There is evidence of some pre-law mining in the central area of the site, where short ramp roads led to a shallow dig (for clay or zeolite?). There are also two grouted stone foundation walls downhill from the dig, which are likely the remains of a small mill for the product. There is no documentation of historic status for these structures, and no jurisdictional requirement from this office for the need to preserve them, but the operator stated he would try to avoid them during his onsite activities. The bond estimate was mailed to the applicant, with figures based on costs of his reclamation plan. If there are no questions about the figures, the applicant must provide an acceptable bond in that amount to this agency before the permit can be issued. No further items were observed during the inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 315, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Bob Oswald; phone no. 970- 247-5193. (As of 10/22/07 we have a different room number. Please revise your records as necessaN.) I & E Contact Address NAME OPERATOR STREET CITY/STATE/ZIP John Parker Navajo Development LLC PO Box 709 Creede, CO 81130 cc: Tony Waldron, DRMS ^ CE ^ BL ^ FS ^ HW ^ HMWMD (CH) ^ SE ^ WQCD (CH) ^ OTHER