2009-05-12_INSPECTION - M1980027

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1980-027 INSPECTION DATE 04/14/09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS PSH OBSERVATIONS The Bumgardner Ranches Gravel Pit, File No. M-1980-027, was inspected by .Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of the Division's 4-year monitoring inspection program. Mr. Dennis Carpenter with DMJ General Contractors, Inc. was present during the inspection. The Bumgardner Ranches Gravel Pit is located approximately 4 miles east of Kremmling, Colorado on State Highway 40. The site was previously inspected by the Division on November 2, 2005 as a pre-operational inspection for an amendment application (AM-01). The Bumgardner Ranches Gravel Pit is divided into 4 phases. No mining activities were observed during the inspection, however three stockpile of W, sand and road base material were located on the pit floor of Phase 1. All stockpiles appeared stable and no erosion was noted. A processing facility and a concrete batch plant were observed at the site. The highwall has advanced east into Phase 2 since the last inspection. The highwall was measured at twelve (12) feet high at a 1:1 slope. Mining activities schedule for 2009 include mining the pit floor an additional three to four feet deeper to the maximum allowed depth of fifteen feet. The stripped portion of Phase 2 is almost mined out. The operator will need to strip and stockpile topsoil and overburden material before mining further to the east. The approved post mining land use is rangeland. Reclamation activities have started at the Bumgardner Ranches Gravel Pit according to the 2008 annual report. Reclamation activities were observed along the west boundary of Phase 1. Vegetated topsoil stockpiles were located on the north and west sides of Phase 1. The stockpiles are well vegetated with wheatgrass and appeared stable. No erosion was noted. The permit area, haul road, entrance sign, affected area and the toe of the highwall were GPS surveyed with a Trimble Geo XT by the Division. A map indicating the result of the GPS survey is attached. During the inspection, sedimentation ponds were observed in the northwest corner of Phase 1. Mr. Carpenter stated the ponds were a closed system associated with the wash plant located on site. The Division does not have record of the sedimentation ponds and wash plant in the permit file. Mr. Carpenter stated the ponds are clay lined and permitted with the Colorado Office of State Engineer. To avoid a possible violation, the operator must, within 30 days submit a technical revision to include the wash plant and sedimentation ponds to the permit. Alternatively, the operator may backfill the sedimentation ponds, end the washing process and provide the Division with evidence of the completed work. The source of the water must be specified by the operator. If the source is groundwater from the site, please provide the Division with proof of a well permit and substitute water supply plan from the office of State Engineer. See the corrective actions section of this report for the corrective actions and date. During the inspection, a concrete batch plant was observed in the southwest corner of Phase 1. The Division does not have record of the concrete batch plant in the permit file. To avoid a possible violation, the operator must, within 30 days submit a technical revision to operate the batch plant or provided evidence the concrete batch plant has been removed from the site. The technical revision must include any required county or local government permits, storm water and spill control plan from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and all applicable permit exhibits. A copy of Rule 1.9 - Technical Revision to a Permit is attached for reference. The fuel tank storage area was inspected during this inspection. The containment berm did not appear to have the required 110% capacity due to deterioration of the berm following a recent storm. The operator agreed to perform maintenance on the containment berm and submit photographic evidence to the Division. See the corrective actions section of this report for the corrective actions and date.