Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2008-050 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 11-18-08 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining and Safety for permitted sites. Designated Mining Operations (DMO) require quarterly <br />inspections for which this is the first since operations began. The October Mine Ore Stockpile is a reclamation <br />project located south of John Brown Canyon above Gateway, Colorado. The 0.46 acre project is the removal of <br />approximately 7,500 tons of pre-law ore stockpile that was left in place and uncapped. Nuvemco proposed the <br />removal of the ore stockpile and reclamation of the stockpile area. Mick and Sue Carter, representatives for <br />Nuvemco met DRMS inspector Russ Means on site for the inspection. BLM representative Scott Gerwe <br />accompanied the inspector on site as well. <br />Due to some unforeseen issues with the shipping destination the planned removal of the ore stockpile was not <br />completed as originally planned. The Carters noted that no definitive information is available as to when the ore pile <br />will be removed. Current disturbance is noted as a small area on the west side of the pile where approximately 3 <br />truck loads of material were removed off site. Also the disturbance includes the turn around area for the trucks <br />which had topsoil pushed back into a berm. Total disturbance to the area is approximately a quarter to half acre. <br />Due to the fact that it appears no shipping will occur over the winter the inspector and BLM representative reviewed <br />the site to ensure that stormwater and erosion issues are addressed to prevent off site impacts. <br />Signage was not in place per Rule 3.1.12 (1). 3.1.12 (1) states a sign shall be placed at the entrance to the mine <br />which shall be clearly visible from the access road. The sign shall state (a) the name of the operator, (b) a statement <br />that a reclamation permit for the operation has been issued by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board, and (c) <br />the permit number. The lack of proper signage has been noted as an issue of concern not a problem. If the signage <br />is not posted by the next quarterly inspection the inspector may change it to a problem with a specific date for <br />correction. Please take the time to correct this issue before it becomes a problem. <br />The ore pile sits on a relatively flat bench with drainages adjacent to but not in the permit area. Relatively simple <br />stormwater measures have been employed to prevent sedimentation from impacting the drainages. However, because <br />of the winter shut down some additional work will be required. Berms around the immediate excavation point using <br />available material should prevent any storm run on or run off from the area. The excavation creates a sedimentation <br />pond that should hold any precipitation that falls on the disturbance area. A temporary bar ditch at the site entrance <br />should also deflect any run on from the site towards the natural drainage. Also, cutting in a ditch along the western <br />side of the access road within the disturbance area will help prevent any run on into the excavation area. It is noted <br />that silt fencing has been deployed around the perimeter of the stockpile area. The silt fencing has had limited <br />success due to the shallow overburden before hitting bedrock. Nuvemco will need to employ a better method of silt <br />control around the pile. The inspector suggests using excelsior rolls or hay bales instead of the fencing. It is <br />important to note that these are suggestions but it is ultimately the operator's responsibility to develop and employ <br />an effective barrier. None of these measures meet the requirements of engineering review by the Division for <br />handling specific precipitation and flow events as required under DMO regulations but given the nature of the <br />project shoukymight be adequate. The suggestions are for temporary winter closure purposes only. The operator <br />will be responsible for any impacts or off site damage so Nuvemco should be mindful of this when planning and <br />implementing any control measures. The lack of proper stormwater and sedimentation control around the ore pile is <br />noted as aproblem with specific dates for correction at the end of this report.