2008-11-24_INSPECTION - M1978349

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1978-349 INSPECTION DATE: 1 1 /7/2008 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS THM This inspection was conducted as part of the normal program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. The Dick Casey Concrete Pit is a 112c permitted site located 2 miles east of Rifle, Colorado on Highway 6 & 24. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the current conditions at the site to determine if a reclamation cost update was necessary to reclaim the site. United Companies recently acquired the Dick Casey Concrete Pit through a Succession of Operator that was processed in September 2008. Justin Aubert along with two pit supervisors of United Companies and Alex Schatz of Banks and Gesso all accompanied the inspector during the inspection The mine identification sign and the affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with rule 3.1.12. The sign is located on the main gate located south of the rail road crossing. The permit boundaries are comprised of fence lines that are easily identifiable. The north pit slopes have been reclaimed to slopes near or at 3H:1 V. The permit requires the slopes to be no steeper than 3H:1 V. Some minor erosion was observed at random locations around the pit. Tamarisk shoots were observed on the north bank of the north pond along with Kochia and Russian Thistle. It is recommended that the north pond Tamarisk should be treated soon (preferably as soon as possible) to prevent further infestation to the recently shaped slopes. The pit slopes are stable due to the amount of various annual weeds observed. The slopes do not appear to have been seeded since the September 2007 inspection. Tamarisk and Russian Olive were observed in abundance around the pit located on the southwest corner of the permit area. The southwest pond infestation should be removed or treated when final contouring of the slopes takes place as was done on the north pit. The same observations were noted in the September 26, 2007 inspection report. The mined areas in the permit area appear to be in different phases of reclamation. Currently the mining operation is actively mining in Phase 11. The concrete batch plant was operating during the inspection. The operator is working the batch plant with stockpiled materials. The shop area and batch plant appeared to be clean and free of unnecessary debris. No fuel spills were noted and containers observed were in secondary containment. In an effort to ensure the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim this site per the requirements of the approved reclamation plan, DRMS will update the reclamation cost estimate. The estimate will be forwarded to the operator under separate cover. The last bond calculation was done in 2007. Photos that show the conditions observed during the inspection are included at the end of this report. No problems or violations were noted or observed during the November 7, 2008 inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Travis Marshall at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-2042.