2007-12-10_INSPECTION - M1983216

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1983-216 INSPECTION DATE: 12/5/2007 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS THM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal inspection program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and the recent request for release of the pit by Mesa County. The Lumsden Canyon Pit is located approximately 1.5 miles East of Gateway, Colorado of off 4 -1/10 Road . The site is a 110c operation with 8.10 permitted acres. Mesa County's Bud Thompson and Eric Burton accompanied the inspector during the inspection. The affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with rule 3.1.12. The permit boundary markers are comprised of metal posts that are painted white and 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 permit boundary. The pit is currently inactive. A large material stock pile was observed on site. This stockpile is allowed to remain according to the technical revision that was approved in September of 2006. The pit floor was not revegetated by Mesa County but volunteer revegetation is beginning to take root in the form of weeds and some grasses at the base of the reclaimed slopes. No evidence of major storm water erosion was observed. The pit appeared to be reclaimed according to the approved reclamation plan with the exception of the material stockpile and the pit floor which is addressed in TR-O1. The reclaimed slopes in the permit area appeared to be no steeper than 2H:1 V to 3H:1 V. The reclamation plan states that 3H:1 V slopes will be reclaimed when possible or slopes will be reclaimed with the same steepness as natural slopes in the permit area. The vegetation on the reclaimed slopes around the permit area consisted of Cottonwoods, Sagebrush, Indian Rice Grass, Rubber Rabbit Brush and Four Wing Salt brush. All of the species observed appeared to be well established. Russian Knapweed was observed during the inspection. I was assured by the Mesa County representatives that they had been actively spraying the site. Therefore, this is not seen as a problem. Cheatgrass was also observed on the north side of the stockpile. Overall the pit appeared to be in good condition. There was no trash or unnecessary debris within the permit boundary. At this time conditions appear to meet the the final reclamation plan. Staff is awaiting a letter of concurrence from the B.L.M. Grand Junction Field Office before the final release process can be completed. 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 December Sd', 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.