2010-02-02_INSPECTION - M2006013

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-2006-013 INSPECTION DATE 1/25/2010 OBSERVATIONS INSPECTOR'S INITIALS PSH The Potts Pit #2, File No. M-2006-013, was inspected by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. Mr. Joe Baxter with Eastern Colorado Aggregates was present during the inspection. The Potts Pit #2 is located in Huerfano County approximately 10 miles northeast of Walsenburg, CO. The site was previously inspected by the Division on April 6, 2006 as a pre-operational inspection. The Division approved the Potts Pit #2 permit application on June 21, 2006. The site is permitted for 49 acres of total disturbance. The Potts Pit #2 site is divided into three mining phases. Phase 1 is 17 acres and located in the western portion of the site. Mining is complete in Phase 1 and the non-reclaimed areas are use for processing facilities and stockpile storage areas. All highwalls have been resloped to 3HAV and the highwalls and pit floors have been revegetated. Phase 3 is 16 acres and is located between Phase 1 and 2. Phase 3 has been mined approximately 15 feet deep in the northwest corner of the phase creating a "U" shape depression open to the north. The highwalls have been resloped to a 3HAV and the mined area has been reseeded. No mining has occurred in Phase 2, which is 16 acres and located in the eastern section of the site. The pit has not been mined in several years. A large wind turbine project near Walsenburg, Colorado is expected to begin in a few years and will increase the need for gravel from the Potts Pit #2. The approved post mining land use for the site is rangeland. The eastern half of Phase 1 and the northwest corner of Phase 3 are in reclamation. The revegetation is sparse, but is beginning to establish. The site is being used to graze cattle. The Division recommends preventing grazing activities in the reclaimed areas until the reseeded grasses are well established. No erosion issues or noxious weeds were observed during the inspection. The Division currently holds a financial warranty of $64,836, which is adequate to complete the reclamation of the site based on the observations from this inspection. An entrance sign was posted and permit boundary markers were observed as required by Rule 3.1.12. No problems were noted during the inspection. I & E Contact Address cc: ? CE NAME Mr. Joe Baxter ? BL OPERATOR Eastern Colorado Aggregates ? FS STREET P.O. Box 580 ? HW CITY/STATE/ZIP Rye, Colorado 81069 ? HMWMD (CH) ? SE ? WQCD (CH) X Steve Shuey; DRMS