2009-10-29_INSPECTION - M1977057

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID #: M-1977-057 INSPECTION DATE: 10-21-09 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS GRM OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety normal monitoring program. The Fedinec Pit is a 110c permitted site located southeast of Craig, Colorado of State Road 394. Pioneer Sand Company representative Shane Ridnour accompanied the inspector on site. The mine identification sign is usually posted at the entrance of the permit location. The post was there but he sign has been removed by wind or cattle. The lack of a sign is not considered a problem with a corrective action. However, the sign should be reposted. Affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. Permit boundaries are marked by t-posts and geological features that are easily identifiable. Annual and perennial vegetation suggest that there has been very little or no activity on site recently. A review of Annual Reports suggests that there has been no activity for at least the last 5 years. This would be a possible violation of Rule 3.1.3. Although the site is noted as being intermittent, there is a requirement to maintain the site annually. However, discussions with the operator note that maintenance and other activities have been done in that time period. The operator should note all activities on site in future Annual Reports to ensure compliance with reclamation time limit rules. The inspector is requesting documentation from the operator for the file to show activities on site during the last 5 years. The lack of proper activity reporting is noted at the end of this report as a problem with a corrective action and date of compliance. Overall the site appears stable. No off site erosion or sedimentation issues were observed. Some minor riling and gulling was noted in the interior of the site but not of any concern at this time. Highwalls are approximately 20 feet in height and 30 feet in length. No materials appear to have been pushed outside the permit area. At this time two benches will have to be reclaimed to one unless addressed through a technical revision. No fuels or other hazardous materials were noted. Topsoil at the site is very minimal. No reclamation is noted at this time. Vegetation is volunteer in nature. Wheat and other native grasses, rabbit brush and sage were noted. Evidence of grazing and the presents of cattle were noted which could hinder reclamation in the future. Also noted was what appears to be Bull Thistle and Hounds Tongue which are noxious weeds. Mr. Ridnour noted that the normal program is to spray annually but it did not occur this year. The inspector will not note the weed issue as a problem at this time. However it is noted in the file that weed control is an issue to be monitored. If the problem persists the issue will be turned into a problem with a required Technical Revision and spraying requirements. It is important to note that no release of the site can occur unless the weed problem is adequately addressed to show long term control has been done. A bond recalculation was done in 2006. Based on the minimal work done in the current time frame the bond appears to be adequate to reclaim the site at this time. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970-241-1117. I & E Contact Address NAME: Joe Kraig OPERATOR: Pioneer Sand Company STREET: P.O. Box 7650 CITY/STATE/ZIP: Colorado Springs, CO 80933 cc: 0 CE M BLM: p FS Ed HW p HMWMD (CH) p WQCD (CH) 0 OTHER: