2009-06-02_INSPECTION - M1996050

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1996-050 INSPECTION DATE: 5/27/09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: _ Cs OBSERVATIONS This was a routine monitoring inspection for an active 1 I Oc sand and gravel operation conducted by Eric Scott of DRMS for the Reese-Logan Sand and Gravel Pit site. DRMS met with site owner/operator Galen Reese on site at approximately 1000 and toured the site with him. Several items were noted that will require either on- site corrections or revisions to the approved permit. The required site entrance postings and site boundary markers need to be refreshed and/or replaced as the site entrance sign was illegible and no boundary markers were present. Items associated with the mining operation, such as the steel steps on the north side of the site, all need to remain within the permit boundaries. Material not associated with the mining operation, such as recycled concrete, should not be stored in the permitted area. Several small tamarisk (salt cedar) trees were observed on the north shore of the pond. Tamarisk is considered to be an invasive, noxious species and will need to be eradicated from the site as soon as possible before they become established. Several other weeds that should be eliminated, such as thistle, were noted as well. The approved mining plan on file with DRMS currently states that the pit will be mined as an open pit that may only "intercept groundwater at certain times of year". It is apparent at this time that due to the depth of the pit, and its proximity to the river, that the pit is always full and that the mine is set up to operate under these conditions. The approved reclamation plan states that the pit will be returned to rangeland as a final post mining land use. During discussions with the operator, it has become apparent that reclamation as rangeland is no longer intended or possibly even feasible. The post mining land use is now most likely going to be wildlife habitat consisting of an unlined lake or pond with a vegetated shoreline. These modifications to the mining and reclamation plan will require an amendment to the approved permit. The mining plan should be updated as part of the amendment to accurately reflect the mining process taking place at the site. The reclamation plan should be modified to reflect the new anticipated post mining land use and configuration. Because there is currently groundwater exposed on site in the form of an approximately three acre unlined pond, the operator shall also include as part of the amendment evidence of an approved Gravel Pit Well Permit for the operation issued by the State Engineer's office, and an approved supplemental supply plan or augmentation plan for the exposed water on site. If these cannot be provided, DRMS may have to pursue enforcement for failing to protect the hydrologic balance, and failing to follow the approved mining and reclamation plan. Bond for the site may also need to be increased to an amount sufficient to backfill the pit and eliminate exposed water if the appropriate permitting from the State Engineer cannot be provided. I & E Contact Address Galen Reese Reese Contracting PO Box 105 Atwood, CO 80722