Laserfiche WebLink
(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1991-035 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS PSH <br />INSPECTION DATE 06/08/09 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />The Bluestone North site, File No. M-1991-035, was inspected by Peter Hays with the <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of the Division's monitoring <br />inspection program. Mr. Sean Frisch with Lafarge West, Inc. was present during the <br />inspection. <br />The Bluestone North site is located in northern Jefferson County, east of State Highway <br />93, approximately 6 miles south of Boulder, CO and west of Rocky Flats. The site was <br />previously inspected by the Division on July 10, 2007. The site adjoins another Lafarge <br />site to the south; Permit Number M-1994-045. The two sites are generally regarded as one <br />site by Lafarge. <br />The Bluestone North site is divided into three areas of current and previous disturbance. <br />The processing plant area, area 1 wash pond and an overburden stockpile are located in the <br />northwest section. The processing plant area contained little to no vegetative cover. <br />Several washed fines pond areas, previously mined areas in various stages of reclamation <br />and the imported fill material stockpile area are located in the eastern section. The <br />areas in reclamation were stable and in various stages of re-vegetation. The site <br />vegetation consisted of native grasses and annual and noxious weeds. The reclamation area <br />located east of impoundment area 1 and the north ongoing reclamation area contained little <br />to no vegetation. <br />The pit, conveyor structures and two sedimentation ponds are located in the southern <br />section. The east and west side of,the pit have been re-graded to 3:1 and revegetated. <br />The mining highwall is located at the south end of the pit. The highwall is approximately <br />thirty feet high at a 1:1 slope. Mining activities will proceed to the south when resumed <br />by the operator. <br />Diffuse Knapweed was observed in several areas within the permit area. The presence of <br />the Diffuse Knapweed is considered a problem by the Division and will require corrective <br />action by the operator. <br />No mining activities were observed during the inspection. According to the annual reports <br />filed with the Division, no mining has occurred on the site since 2001 and the last <br />stockpile removal occurred in 2007. The 2008 annual report accurately indicates the <br />status of the site. Additionally, no mining disturbance has occurred on the amendment <br />area located northeast of the original permit area. Mr. Frisch stated Lafarge has no <br />plans to mine the amendment area in the near future. The operator has removed a majority <br />of the processing plant and supporting facilities from the site. The conveyor structures <br />connecting the pit and the processing area, a scale house and stockpiles of waste material <br />and product stockpiles remain at the site. <br />The Division currently holds a financial warranty of $197,430. Based on this inspection, <br />the financial warranty is not sufficient to perform the approved reclamation at the site. <br />The Division prepared a reclamation cost estimate for the Bluestone North site based on <br />this inspection. The Division estimates the cost to reclaim the current disturbance is <br />$423,800. A copy of the estimate will be sent under separate cover. <br />An entrance sign was posted and permit boundary markers were observed as required by Rule <br />3.1.12. <br />Mr. Frisch stated Lafarge intends to file for Temporary Cessation status with the Division <br />for the Bluestone North site. A copy of Rule 1.13 is attached for reference. <br />