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(Page 2) <br />MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1990-140 <br />INSPECTION DATE: 6-24-09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as a follow up to a September 2008 inspection by the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining and Safety under the normal monitoring program. The Martin Pit is located south of Craig <br />South Highlands on 107 Road. The Martin Pit is a 1 l Oc permitted site. The permitee Jim Duran met the inspector <br />on site. During the September inspection four issues were noted as problems. <br />A noxious and/or problematic weed infestation (Canadian or musk thistle) was observed within the affected area. <br />Due to an unusually wet spring spraying in the area in general has been delayed. Mr. Duran however was able to <br />spray the weeds recently. The inspector noted that the thistles were beginning to wilt and none had begun to flower <br />yet. Mr. Duran has a meeting set up with the CSU extension to formulate a control plan for the noxious weeds. <br />Once the plan is secured it should be submitted as a Technical Revision with the inert importation affidavit <br />discussed below. The weed problem noted in September as a problem is considered abated. <br />Topsoil and overburden are being stockpiled along the north edge. Rule 3.1.9 requires topsoil have: "protection <br />from erosion, remains free of any contamination by toxic or acid-forming material, and is in a usable condition for <br />reclamation." Side slopes of the stockpiles were observed to be devoid of any erosion control measures. The <br />inspector noted historic stockpiles had positive vegetation on them. New topsoil piles do not. If the piles are to <br />remain in place for more than one growing season the operator should broadcast the approved seed mix on the piles <br />to protect them. The lack of protection for topsoil noted in September is considered abated. <br />Various locations were noted as having foreign material imported and used as fill. Per Rule 3.1.5(9) : If an operator <br />intends to backfill inert structural fill generated outside the approved permit area, it is the operator's responsibility to <br />provide the Office notice of any proposed backfill activity not identified in the approved Reclamation Plan. Per the <br />definition of inert material in Rule 1.1(20) it does not include plastics, rebar or other metals, or barbed wire all of <br />which were observed in the fill. The observed trash was removed. Backfill material with rebar was also removed <br />and the area backfilled. The operator will be submitting a Technical Revision for importation of materials with his <br />weed plan. The incorrect importation of materials observed in September has been abated. <br />The inspector notes what appears to be groundwater exposed in the current exaction area. Per Rule 3.1.6(1) <br />disturbance to the prevailing hydrological balance of the affected land and of the surrounding area shall be <br />minimized. The operator has consulted with local DWR personnel on the issue. Mr. Duran stated that the water <br />may be irrigation / precipitation infiltration from the fields to the north and DWR personnel did not have an issue <br />with it. Since it appears that DWR does not have an issue with the exposure the matter is considered abated. <br />However, the inspector advises the operator to get something in writing and submit a copy to DRMS for the file for <br />future reference. <br />The original financial warranty has never been updated for this site. Staff will be recalculating the bond based on <br />current conditions and costs. An updated reclamation liability estimate will be sent out by separate cover.