2007-12-03_INSPECTION - M1997027

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1997-027 INSPECTION DATE: 1 1 /21 /2007 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS THM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and to assess the amendment to add 0.57 acres to the permit area. The Moonscape Pit is located approximately 5 miles southwest of Delta, Colorado of off Sundown Road. The site is a 110c operation with 7.0 permitted acres. Andrew J. Botti accompanied the inspector during the inspection. The mine identification sign and the affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with rule 3.1.12. The sign is located on the fence at the main entrance on the west side of the gravel mine. The permit boundaries are comprised of fluorescent orange wooden stakes that are easily identifiable around the entire perimeter of the mine. A buffer zone of 30 to 50 feet was observed in most areas between the excavation areas and the boundary. The proposed area to be added to the permit is located in the northeast corner of the permit area. The area is shaped like a berm that is approximately 6-8 feet high. Mining this area would aid the appearance of the reclamation by removing the berm and blending the mine floor to the slope that exists to the north of the permit area. The pit is currently active. The contractor hires a portable crusher to come on site to crush large amounts of gravel therefore no crushing equipment was on site. Material stock piles were observed on site consisting of approximately 50,000-60,000 tons. Adequate amounts of topsoil and overburden appeared to be stockpiled for the permitted reclamation plan. No evidence of major storm water erosion was observed. The pit had various stages of reclamation under way within the permit boundary. The western section of the permit area had overburden and topsoil replaced and appeared to be ready for seeding. The south east corner of the pit is now the site of a home and also doubles as storage for various pieces of heavy equipment. The eastern boundary of the pit had been reclaimed to slopes that appeared to be no steeper than 3H:1 V and also appear to be ready for seeding. Overall the pit appeared to be in good working condition. There was no trash or unnecessary debris within the permit boundary. In an effort to ensure the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim this site per the requirements of the approved reclamation plan, DRMS will update the reclamation cost estimate to address the proposed amendment acreage increase. The estimate will be forwarded to the operator under separate cover. Photos that show the conditions observed during the inspection are included at the end of this report. No problems or violations were noted or observed during the November 21, 2007 inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Travis Marshall at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-623-5596.