Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-81-202SG <br />INSPECTION DATE: 3-25-09 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety normal <br />monitoring program. The Silt Pit is a I I2c sand and gravel pit located south of the town of Silt on County Road <br />311. Flag Resources representative Fred Frei accompanied the inspector on site. <br />Signage and boundary markers were in place per Rule 3.1.12. The sign was located at the entrance to the site just <br />off County Road 311. Boundaries were marked by fence lines and other features that make the disturbed areas <br />readily discernable. <br />Current mine activities noted include the stripping of additional overburden to the east in what originally was Phase <br />3 and 4. A change in the mining plans in 1999 removed the phasing. A non-official inquire was relayed to DRMS <br />regarding mining limits and the closeness to a residence near the far eastern edge of the current pit. The inspector <br />notes the stripping of overburden and topsoil is consistent with the plans approved in 1981. Approved setbacks note <br />100 feet from the river, 50 feet from the county road right away and 30 feet on the east and west sides. The home is <br />approximately 100 to 150 feet from the eastern edge of the approved mine permit boundary. There are no signs <br />evident of instability for this area or areas excavated deeper close by. The limit of excavation is at least the <br />approximate distance plus the 30 feet set back. Topsoil is stockpiled within the 30 feet buffer but the buffer is for <br />excavation not disturbance. At this time DRMS sees notes no problems with what has been approved and <br />excavated per the approved plans. I t is also noted the home was built well after the permit was approved and the <br />site was in operation. The Act and Rules do not require notification of any landowners beyond the original <br />permitting process unless there is a significant change to plans that require public notice. Review of the file finds no <br />such notices have been required by law. <br />Stockpiling in the Plant Site of the pit was observed. One plant was in operation and producing product while <br />another in is being moved more towards the east. There was heavy equipment in the pit moving materials around. <br />The concrete batch plant was noted as having been working recently. The inspector noted loaded trucks of materials <br />heading out of the pit area for offsite deliveries. <br />The inspector has enclosed a copy of a memo issued by the Division of Water Resources. It notes a change in the <br />interpretation of the administration of evaporation from groundwater exposed to the atmosphere prior to 1981. <br />Because of the age of the pit and lack of some key elements within the original permit file DRMS is requesting that <br />Flag Resources review the memo. Please provide documentation to DRMS that the reclamation permit complies <br />with the requirements or that Flag has contacted the DWR regarding the issue by July 1, 2009 This is noted only as <br />an issue for review and not as a problem or violation. DWR is asking for voluntary compliance and DRMS is <br />working with operators to ensure that all issues are addressed appropriately. The inspector notes no surface water <br />issues. <br />No erosion and sedimentation issues are noted. Stormwater is kept within the pit area and directed to sedimentation <br />ponds that appear to be in good order. <br />No noxious weeds were noted within the permit area. However, given the time of year it would be difficult to <br />identify any new growth if some were present. It appears that Flag Resources is following its weed control plan <br />based on the absence of dead mature plants.