2008-04-03_INSPECTION - M1982131

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(Page 2 ) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1982-131 INSPECTION DATE 04/03/08 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS ESC OB3SRVATION3 This was an acreage reduction (AR-O1) inspection of the Bucklen Pit, Permit No. M-1982-131 conducted by Erica Crosby of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. Kallie Bauer of Applegate Group, Inc., Mike Bucklen and Randy Bucklen were present during the inspection. The Mining and Reclamation Permit was issued to Bucklen Equipment Company on September 20, 1982. The pit is located in the north Greeley area immediately south of the Cache la Poudre River and west of Island Grove Park. The permit was amended in 1993 for a total permit area of 77 acres. On November 29, 2007, the operator requested an acreage reduction of 19 acres for the original area that was mined in 1982. The inspection was delayed due to winter weather conditions. The 19-acre area subject to the release request falls within an area that is considered pre- law disturbance. Boundary markers were posted depicting the active site and the pre-law areas. According to the operator the site was reclaimed in 2000 and 2001 into a groundwater exposed lake. Slopes were graded and revegetated. On the north and south ends of the pit, the area is dominated by annual weeds and few perennial grass species were noted. Trees have established on the south and west side of the lake, but little perennial grass species could be located. The operator will need to control the presence of weeds by mowing or some other procedure and reseed the slopes with the approved seed mixture. It was noted during the inspection that the southern shoreline of the pit is eroded due to a combination of wind and water action. This area will need to be repaired by the operator in the form of grading, rock placement and/or revegetation to stabilize the slope. The 19-acre area exposes ground water. In order for the Division to release the site from further reclamation responsibility, the operator must demonstrate to the Division that Bucklen Equipment Company is in compliance the Division of Water Resources- Office of the State Engineer (OSE) for an approved augmentation plan for the site. It does not appear that the operator has secured an approved augmentation plan from Water Court. Due to the inadequate vegetation established on site, erosion of the southern shoreline and the lack of an approved augmentation plan, the Division must deny the acreage reduction request. Notice of the Division's decision will be sent under separate cover. I & 8 Contact Address NAME OPERATOR STREET CITY/STATE/ZIP Mike Bucklen Bucklen Equipment Co Inc 804 N 25th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 j' CE r BL j' FS j' HW j' HMWMD (CH) ~ r E j' WQCD (CH) Cc: Carl Mount; DBMS Kallie Bauer; Applegate Group, Inc.