2009-10-20_INSPECTION - M1980146

Home Browse Search

(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-1980-146 INSPECTION DATE 9/22/09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS RCO OBSERVATIONS This inspection was performed by the Division as part of its monitoring of Construction Materials 112c permits and as a pre-operation inspection of the areas to be added to the permit through Amendment AM-4. The operator was contacted about the scheduled inspection. The operator's representative named on page one was present during the inspection. The site was active at the time of the inspection. The pre-existing office facility, scalehouse, and scale along the old access road are no longer in use, with the construction of new replacements for each now in place up in the east end of the pit area. The old structures are in the process of being removed, in conjunction with abandoning this entrance road, and the location will be reclaimed. The operator must ensure that the AM-4 maps reflect the locations of the new structures as needed. The areas to be added under AM-4 include private land (on the E side) and BLM land (on the S side and W side). The land on the east side is largely already affected by mining under permit M-2008-048, the Wilson Gulch Pit, related to the current Highway 160 construction projects underway. The BLM land on the west and south that is proposed for inclusion is mostly mesa-top areas covered by pinyon-juniper woodland, plus rabbitbrush and big sage. Some portions of the land are already occupied by gas wells, pipelines and access roads, or lie within gulches that are not to be disturbed by mining. The Division has not received documentation of right-of-entry for the BLM land that the operator.is proposing to add. The operator has been informed of this deficiency and must provide this documentation before this office may approve the amendment. Portions of the margins of the current affected area, specifically on the south and the north where topsoil has been bermed, still contain noxious weeds (musk thistle, Canada thistle, and Russian knapweed). The operator has a weed control plan for this site, and most weeds on the site exhibit signs of treatment. But these areas observed still require ongoing monitoring and treatment. At this time, the weeds do not appear to be increasing and the existing plan appears adequate. This is not noted as a problem. Activities occurring on the site include screening, crushing, concrete batching, and recycling waste asphalt and concrete (which are stockpiled in the east end of the site). The wash pond in the west end of the pit has been removed and the site backfilled and graded. Sediment and runoff are adequately controlled at various locations across the site. The operator must ensure that the changes made in future developments at the site account for different runoff patterns and volumes. Topsoil is fairly deep, and combined with the deep overburden, have created the need for areas of large stockpiles of material to be backfilled to attain reclamation slopes and respread for reclamation. There are adequate amounts of these materials to complete these reclamation tasks. The north and south highwalls of the pit exhibit the various steps in completing the ongoing reclamation of the pit. The bond will be fully recalculated as part of the decision on this amendment. All hydrocarbons stored onsite, in tanks and stationary equipment, appear to include the required impermeable secondary containment, with no contamination from spillage or leaks. All other issues related to review of materials for AM-4 are contained in separate correspondence and not discussed herein. No further items were observed during the inspection. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to this inspector at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 691 County Road 233, Suite A-2, Durango, Colorado 81301. (Please note: As of 7/1/08 the Durango Field Office moved to the new address, shown above. Please revise your records as necessarv.) Cont.