Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT NUMBER MW09-008 <br />INTRODUCTION <br />At the request of the Metal/ Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health, Rocky Mountain <br />District, we conducted a field investigation at the Pike View Quarry, Mine I.D. No. 05- <br />01443. The quarry is operated by Transit Mix Concrete and is located in Colorado <br />Springs, Colorado. <br />The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate a mass pit slope failure involving a <br />highwall-and-bench slope above the west side of the currently active pit. We visited the <br />quarry on December 4 and 5, 2008, and were accompanied by Mr. Tom Stefansky and <br />Mr. Billy Schroeder from the Denver Field Office. <br />While at the quarry, we observed and photographed the slide mass from various <br />vantage points and took rough measurements of the slide using a laser rangefinder and <br />handheld GPS receiver. We also observed cracks and scarps associated with the slide <br />on the slopes above the highwall. We reviewed aerial photos, available topographic <br />data and obtained copies of proposed reclamation plans and profiles that the operator <br />had development in conjunction with local conservation groups, state agencies and the <br />USDA Forest Service. In conjunction with the field observations we also met with the <br />following mine operator, consultant and Colorado state personnel over the two-day site <br />visits: <br />Mr. Chris Usry- Mine Manager, Transit Mix Concrete <br />Mr. Mac Shafer - Vice President, Aggregates, Transit Mix Concrete <br />Ms. Ronda Larson - Safety Director, Transit Mix Concrete <br />Mr. Mick Muller P.E. - Chief Engineer - Yenter Companies <br />Mr. Berhan Keffelew - Hydrogeologist, Colorado Dept. of Natural Resources <br />Mr. Mark Heffner - Reclamation Consultant, Southwestern Ecological Services <br />This report provides the details of the investigation, the results of the evaluation, and <br />recommendations for addressing the situation. <br />BACKGROUND <br />On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, Don Kirkwood of Pittsburgh Technical Support - <br />Mine Waste and Geotechnical Engineering Division (MWGED) received a request for <br />technical field assistance from the Metal/ Nonmetal (MNM) Rocky Mountain District <br />regarding a large landslide that occurred at the Pike View Quarry the previous day. <br />The District forwarded an e-mail containing photographs of the landslide and an <br />"action plan' prepared by the mine operator.