Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-2005-050 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 2-18-09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety normal <br />monitoring program. The J-Bird Mine has recently had a change of operator back to the original permit holder <br />Rimrock Exploration. The Succession of Operator was approved on February 25, 2009 after this inspection was <br />conducted. The primary purpose of the inspection was to note current conditions and review what issues need to be <br />addressed to bring the permit into full compliance. Due to a change in the law the previous permit holder was under <br />a notice to submit an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) as part of a conversion of the 1102 permit to a 11 Od. The <br />previous operator failed to meet the 180 day deadline of February 2, 2009 prior to handing the permit back to <br />Rimrock. DRMS staff is working with Rimrock to get the EPP submitted while allowing work to begin on the site <br />to address some issues and continuing development of the mine. <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. <br />However it was noted that the wrong permit number was on the sign. Since Rimrock needs to update the permit sign <br />it needs to post the correct permit number as well. The sign is located at the entrance to the site. Permit boundaries <br />are marked by t-posts and geological features that are easily identifiable. At this time it does not appear that there are <br />any disturbances outside the approved permit boundaries. Rimrock should look carefully at the approved boundaries <br />for both DRMS and BLM. If there are any discrepancies Rimrock should notify DRMS and BLM so that the issue <br />can be addressed quickly. The new operator is not held responsible by DRMS but will be required to correct he <br />permit if need be. <br />Some features under the original mine permit have not been constructed as originally approved. The portal is at a <br />lower elevation and farther north than noted on maps. Office and storage trailers are located in different areas. <br />Stormwater control features are not constructed as denoted on approved plans. Waste piles do not match up closely <br />with the original maps. A surface soils storage area appears to be close as does the ore stockpile area. These issues <br />must be addressed within the submission of the conversion package which includes the EPP. While the location of <br />the portal and out buildings is minor, the review of stormwater structures is a primary focus of the EPP. <br />Heavy snow cover prevented visual observations of all disturbed areas. However a few items in regard to toxic or <br />hazardous materials were noted. There is a small pile of shippable ore and low grade waste in the ore storage area. <br />The area is fully bermed off and appears to be able to hold any melt down of snow in the area with zero release. <br />Fuel storage tanks are in secondary containment structures. Although the containment tanks have considerable water <br />in them the fuel tanks themselves are empty. The containment tanks have oil and other items stored in them that <br />should be stored in a better place. Rimrock notes the tanks are rentals and will be moved out soon. Please ensure <br />that the containers in the tank containment structures are not left on the bare ground when they are picked up. <br />Above the portal area and dumps a large area has been cleared off that appears to have been meant to be left <br />undisturbed. Rimrock will need to address the use of this area whether it's for parking, mine supplies, or waste rock. <br />A pile of slash and a stormwater diversion ditch were noted in the area. <br />The portal entrance itself is secured by a locked gate structure. The structure does not meet DRMS specifications as <br />the gates can be pulled back and a person can crawl over to gain access to the mine. Rimrock notes the poor design <br />also causes vent bag tear issues. Rimrock has constructed other portal security structures that meet DRMS <br />specifications so they are not included at this time. If Rimrock would like a copy of the specs one can be provided <br />upon request.