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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1998-024 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 3/20/2008 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS THM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The Hidden Valley Pit is located 4 miles north of the Dotsero exit offofthe Upper <br />Colorado River Road. The site is a 112c operation that is a total of 183.6 acres. Jason Burkey and Chip Bair of <br />B&B Excavating accompanied the inspector during the inspection. <br />The mine identification sign and the affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with rule 3.1.12. <br />The sign is located on a post at the main entrance on the south side of the gravel mine. The permit boundaries are <br />comprised of fences that are easily identifiable around the entire perimeter of the mine. A buffer zone of 40 to 60 <br />feet was observed in most areas between the excavation areas and the boundary. Topsoil and overburden were <br />observed stockpiled around the perimeter of the mine. <br />The pit is currently active and has recently obtained an Eagle County Special Use Permit that mirrors the permit held <br />by the DRMS for the full 183.6 acres to be mined. Various pieces of heavy equipment were observed working <br />within the permit area. Stockpiles of various construction materials were observed within the permit area. A wash <br />plant was located in the northeast corner of the mine. A scale and scale house were located at the eastern edge of the <br />affected area. No evidence of major storm water erosion was observed during the inspection. <br />Primary power lines were observed on top of 20 foot pillars of un-mined material. Please provide the Division <br />with signed documentation that shows that Holy Cross Energy is aware that primary power is potentially <br />threatened by mining by April 9, 2008. <br />During the inspection it was not possible to determine the overall impact to the site by weeds due to some areas of <br />the mine being covered with snow. Some weeds were observed within the permit boundary but none appeared to be <br />noxious. This is not seen as a problem and is noted to be used as a tool for monitoring success during future site <br />inspections. <br />For 2008 the operator is anticipating the production of approximately 100,000 to 120,000 tons will take place. <br />In an effort to ensure the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim this site per the requirements of the <br />approved reclamation plan, DRMS will update the reclamation cost estimate. The estimate will be forwarded to the <br />operator under separate cover. The last bond calculation was done in 2004. <br />Photos that show the conditions observed during the March 20, 2008 inspection are included at the end of this <br />report. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Travis Marshall at the Division of Reclamation, Mining <br />and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone <br />no. 970-623-5596.