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MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-19$,5-173_ <br />INSPECTION DATE: -A.jwt/ng INSPECTOR=S INITIALS: MAC JLE <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The inspection was conducted by Michael Cunningham of DRMS, Jared Ebert of DRMS, and Allen Watts of <br />Kiowa County. This was a routine monitoring inspection of the mine site; the last inspection was conducted on <br />December 13, 2000. The Rother Pit is located approximately 8.5 miles northeast of Brandon, Colorado off of <br />County Road 61. The permitted acreage-encompasses 113 acres. The permit sign was in place at the entrance <br />to the mine site. <br />At the time of the inspection there was no mining taking place at the pit. No equipment was on site and the pit <br />was clean and free of trash. The landowner is using the property for rangeland and cattle were present around <br />the pit. The permit boundary was clearly marked with steel posts. In addition, the current Stages of the mining <br />operation were also delineated with steel posts. <br />Mining has not progressed according to the timetable provided in the permit application. Mining was to <br />progress in thirteen Stages and according to the mining plan the operation should be in stage 6. The mining <br />operation is currently in between stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 2 is located in the southeastern most part of the <br />permit area and encompasses 10 acres. Stage 1 is located directly to the north of Stage 2 and also <br />encompasses 10 acres. The operator is currently mining northward to the northern edge of Stage 1. <br />Approximately 6 acres have been mined in the southern portion of Stage 1 and several acres have been <br />mined in the northern portion of Stage 2. Mr. Watts indicated that the operation will not proceed any further <br />into Stage 2, but will instead move westward into Stage 3 and 4. The reclamation plan that was submitted to <br />the Division calls for a phased approach to reclamation. At present no reclamation has taken place. Before <br />mining progresses into any other stages, the operator should proceed with reclamation activities as they are <br />outlined in the reclamation plan. <br />The operator has segregated the topsoil and overburden stockpiles and positioned them around the eastern <br />edge of Stage 1 and the northern edge of Stage 2. The Division noted the following item which will require <br />action by the operator: <br />o The topsoil stockpiles have been in place for approximately 3 years according to Mr. Watts. At the time <br />of the inspection the topsoil stockpiles have not been seeded and have little vegetation growing on <br />them. Some kochia and buffalo burr was observed to be growing on the stockpiles. The stockpiles <br />appeared to be stable and did not show signs of erosion. <br />This concluded the inspection. <br />I & E Contat Address <br />NAME: Allen Watts <br />OPERATOR: Kiowa County <br />STREET: P_ 0 Box 100 <br />CITY/STATE/ZIP: Fndl CO 81036 <br />cc: r CE <br />r BL <br />F FS <br />r HW <br />IF HMWMD (CH) <br />F SE <br />IF WQCD (CH) <br />OTHER