2008-04-16_INSPECTION - M1988087

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1988-087 INSPECTION DATE 4/2/08 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division in response to the operator's request for release of this Construction Materials 110c permit. The site has been in final reclamation for several years. The operator has performed the earthwork and site clean-up, so no equipment or debris was noted onsite. There was no onsite activity and no operator's representative at the site during the inspection. The required permit ID sign and many of the boundary markers (T-posts) were observed at the site. It looked like the sign post and several of the corner markers were missing, but they had been knocked down. They operator should reinstall them, especially so that the permitted area is defined better when additional seeding and weed control is undertaken. All stockpiles have been removed or spread, and there is no debris onsite. A thin layer of crushed gravel still exists on the level western portion of the permit area, outside the pit, but native topsoil exists underneath, and adequate vegetation covers much of that area. The site had been seeded in 2005, according to materials submitted by the operator. Some portions of the permitted area appear to be adequately revegetated, but some areas still require another seeding of the approved seed mix. The areas observed that especially need better revegetation include the pit slope along the east side of the pit, the south end of the pit, the north end of the pit, and some of the two-track dirt roads on the site. Many of the roads are becoming adequately vegetated, but those that aren't may require some light tilling or dragging to incorporate the seed. In combination with the inadequate reclamation vegetation in the locations listed above, many of those same areas also exhibit stands of tumbleweeds (Russian thistle), which should be controlled as well as being seeded to grass. If good perennial revegetation were present and established, the annual tumbleweeds would gradually decrease, and this annual weed would not present a problem. By itself, though, it will dominate the area and preclude good vegetation. There is a small erosional feature at the north end of the pit, where a minor amount of occasional upland run-on enters the pit. This is still minor, and may not further deteriorate for many years, but it should be monitored as long as the site is still permitted. It does not present a problem at this time. The most problematic condition observed at the site, which carries over from the last inspection of the site, is the continued presence of the noxious weed Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) observed in a couple parts of the permit. There are about 10 plants scattered on the east central side of the pit, and about 90 plants on flat unmined area on the west side, near the permit ID sign. These plants are both large and small, possibly indicating plants from two prior growth seasons. This noxious weed is a problem which the operator must correct. The inadequate revegetation and the noxious weed infestation, in the context of a site that is being considered forfinal release constitute a problem as shown on page one. The correction of these conditions will be for the operator to reseed the areas that require better vegetation and control the weeds. There is probably sufficient time to perform both these activities vet in 2008 depending on the recommended correct season for this work, even though the success may not be apparent until 2009 or later. However, the operator must proceed to perform the seeding and aggressive weed control as soon as possible and report such activites to this Division by the correction date, as shown on the last page. (Please note that the surface owner, BLM, may be able to provide suggestions about these issues. See their address below.) Due to the existing conditions at the site, showing that the reclamation plan is not complete, this office must deny the operator's request for release. A formal letter will be sent to the operator under separate cover stating this denial. No further items were observed during the inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 315, Durango, Colorado 81301, Attn: Bob Oswald; phone no. 970- 247-5193. (As of 10/22/07 we have a different room number. Please revise your records as necessary.) Cont