_INSPECTION - C1991078 (16) - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. COMMENTS.-COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was a Complete Inspection of the Hamilton Mine conducted by Marcia Talvitie of the Colorado DRMS on 24 February 2009. No representative of the operator was present during the inspection. The inspection began at 12:00 noon with a records check at the nearby landfill office. Inspection of the site occurred at 13:00 and lasted approximately one hour. Skies were clear; temperatures were mild and breezy. Rainfall had occurred the previous night, so all soils were slightly damp. Snow observed on previous inspections had entirely melted away. Availability of Records • A completed DRMS Records Check form is attached to this Inspection Report. Signs and Markers • A Mine Identification sign is posted at the mine entrance. Reclaimed areas are fenced to prevent access by cattle. • Topsoil piles 1, 2, 3 and Pond B were each clearly posted with identification signs. Roads • Haul Road surfaces were damp, and in reasonably good condition. Mine Areas 1 and 3 were easily accessible by vehicle, as were Ponds A and B. • Ditches along the haul road to Mine Area 3 were inspected. A small area of headward erosion was observed the ditch that parallels the southern side of the road, and flows eastward to the draw downstream of Pond C.. The ditch running along the north side was clear and appeared to be stable. Hydrologic Balance • Pond A was completely dry. • Pond B contained more water than was observed on the January inspection. The emergency spillway appeared to be stable, and the surface was protected with cobble-size rocks. The pond dewatering pipe outlet was clear, and there was.no sign of discharge or seepage. • Inlet and outlet ends of the pipe crossing beneath the Mine Area 3 haul road (downstream of Pond C) were clear. • The three culvert pipes at the turnoff to the Mine Area 3 haul road were also clear. Topsoil • Topsoil piles 1, 2, and 3 were fenced and well vegetated. Fish 8, Wildlife • As always, deer and elk tracks were abundant throughout the permit area. • A pair of Mountain Bluebirds was sighted near the northwest corner of Mine Area 1. Reveaetation • The operator is reminded to diligently pursue implementation of the approved Weed Control Plan. • Recent consultation with the Montrose County weed specialist has revealed that the plant tentatively identified by the Division as Perennial Pepperweed in 2008 was likely a native species. No action will be required to control this plant. Hamilton Mine C-1991-078 24-Feb-2009