2008-02-08_INSPECTION - M1991136

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1991-136 INSPECTION DATE: 1/30/2008 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS THM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The River Road Pit is located 3 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado off of River Road. The site is a 112c operation that has been completely mined. Brent Kerr of United 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 a post at the main entrance on the North side of the gravel mine. The permit boundaries are comprised of fence posts with signs that are easily identifiable around the entire perimeter of the mine. A buffer zone of 40 to 60 feet was observed in most areas between the excavation areas and the boundary. The pit is currently mined out but is active as a concrete plant, asphalt plant, heavy equipment storage and construction material stockpiling. Various pieces of heavy equipment were observed at the north end of the permit area. The concrete plant was operating during the inspection. Stockpiles of various construction materials were observed on the pit floor south of the concrete plant in the middle of permit area. Most of the slopes within the permit area had been reclaimed to slopes that appeared to be no steeper than 3H:1 V. No evidence of major storm water erosion was observed during the inspection. Barrels outside of secondary containment were observed around the asphalt plant located in the southeast corner of the permit area. Per rule 3.1.6(b), disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance of the affected land and the surrounding area and to the quantity or quality in surface and groundwater systems both during and after the mining operation and during reclamation shall be minimized by measures that are in compliance with applicable federal and Colorado water quality laws and regulations, including statewide water quality standards and site specific classifications and standards adopted by the Water Quality Control Commission. The improper storage of hazardous materials and waste is noted as a problem with corrective actions and a correction date on the last page of this report. Various weeds were observed within the permit boundaries. Tamarisk was observed within the permit area; Tamarisk is listed as a noxious weed and will hinder the ability of native plant species to get established which may delay the release of the River Road Pit. Per Rule 3.1.10 (6), Methods of weed control shall be employed for all prohibited noxious weed species, and whenever invasion of a reclaimed area by other weed species seriously threatens the continued development of the desired vegetation. This is not seen as a problem due to an active weed management plan. However, this is noted as a tool to monitor progress during future inspections. Brent Kerr stated that he had been cooperating with Mesa State College on a Selenium Bioreactor system. The system is currently in experimental phases and is able to treat no more than one liter per minute. Currently the system is not operating due to winter temperatures. Mesa State is planning on expanding the system in the spring of 2008. This is mentioned to document United's cooperation with the community working on new technologies that aim to protect natural resources. AM-02 approved in 2001 changed the post mine land use to industrial/commercial. Conditions observed during the inspection appeared to be at or near the revised reclamation plan. Due to the snow cover during the inspection it was not possible to determine if any success of past revegetation efforts have been successful. The Division recommends a request for release in the spring of 2008 if the revegetation efforts have been successful.