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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection <br />and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a partial inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division). This mine site is currently completing the final <br />stages of reclamation of disturbed areas. Ground conditions were damp and muddy in <br />places and the weather was warm and sunny. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />All ponds held a modest amount of water due to repeated rainfall and runoff. Pond 9 was <br />discharging about 5-10 gallons per minute. The discharge appeared cloudy and according to <br />the operator, was from a storm event so 3 hours prior to this inspection. At 8:52 am an <br />Imhoff cone was filled with discharge from Pond 9. The device was checked for settleable <br />solids exactly one hour later. No settleable solids were detected. <br />A culvert on the gas road above Pond 9 discharges water onto an area recently reclaimed <br />where pond cleanout materials were deposited. Sediment and debris at the outlet of this <br />culvert has blocked the ditch that diverts runoff to the north, around the reclaimed area. This <br />material should be cleaned from the diversion ditch as soon as practical. Runoff reported to <br />Pond 9 prior to discharge. <br />As noted in last month's <br />inspection report, shown in <br />italics, cleanout and minor <br />repair of ditches remains to be <br />completed. Wet and muddy <br />ground conditions have <br />apparently delayed this required <br />work. The operator should <br />ensure that this work is <br />completed as soon as ground <br />conditions allow. All ditches at <br />Mai- <br />the site should be inspected <br />and restored to design <br />conditions during the next dry <br />period. Shown at right is the <br />north side ditch below the <br />center knob that directs runoff to <br />Pond 8. In particular, ditches <br />on the east side of the reclaimed area below areas most recently revegetated show the <br />majority of sediment build-up from repeated rainfall events. Vegetation does appear to be <br />reducing overall runoff as cover increases in the youngest reclamation. <br />Some rills and small gullies have developed on the east-facing slopes of the center knob. <br />The operator should employ alternative sediment control measures in this area to avoid <br />further problems on the reclaimed area.