2010-06-29_INSPECTION - M2000059

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(Page 2) MINE ID # OR PROSPECTING ID # M-2000-059 INSPECTION DATE 06/17/2010 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS PSH OBSERVATIONS The Geroux Gravel Pit, File No. M-2000-059, was inspected by Peter Hays with the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) as part of the Division's monitoring inspection program. Mr. Darell Geroux and Mrs. Twyla Geroux were contacted prior to the inspection, but were not able to attend the inspection. The Geroux Gravel Pit is located 1 mile south of Westcliffe, Colorado in Huerfano County. An entrance sign was posted and permit boundary markers were observed as required by Rule 3.1.12. The site was previously inspected by the Division on September 29, 2005. According to the 20010 Annual Report, approximately 5 acres of the permitted 9.9 acres have been disturbed including the haul road. The Operator stated 0.5 acres of new disturbance occurred in the previous year. Mining is progressing from the south to the north and the future mining area has been stripped of topsoil and ahead of mining activities. The Geroux Pit was active during the inspection. Stockpiled material (pit run) was being removed from the site. The pit excavation is proceeding from south to north as indicated in the 2010 Annual Report. The approved Mining Plan and Mine Plan Map indicate mining will proceed from the north to the south. The Division recommends the Operator submit a technical revision per Rule 1.9 with the appropriate $216 fee to update the Mining Plan and Mine Plan Map to depict the revised mining direction at the Geroux Gravel Pit. No processing equipment or fuel storage was observed during the inspection. Stockpiles of processed materials were located on the pit floor and trash piles were observed south and east of the pit. The pit appeared stable and no erosion was noted during the inspection. Water was observed in the pit during the inspection. The source of the water is unknown, but appeared to be stormwater. The Operator committed to obtain a Stormwater Discharge Permit during the permitting process for the site. The Division was unable to verify if a permit was issued for the site. To avoid a possible violation, the Operator must provide proof of an active Stormwater Discharge Permit for the Geroux Gravel Pit. See the corrective actions section of this report for the corrective actions and date. Canada Thistle, a List B noxious weed, was observed during the inspection within the permit area. The infestation, if not controlled, will most likely hinder and/or delay successful reclamation of this site and contribute to off-site spreading and establishment of these weeds. Weed infestation is noted as a problem. The Operator must, within 30 days, submit documentation of treatment for Canada Thistle. Within 90 days, a weed control plan developed in consultation with, and approved by, the appropriate local weed control authority must be submitted as a technical revision to this permit. Significant progress toward control of on- site weeds must be demonstrated within three years to avoid potential enforcement action. The approved post mining land use is rangeland. No reclamation activities were observed during the inspection. As noted during the previous inspection, the topsoil stockpile located northeast of the pit exhibited sign of excavation or removal. The Operator is reminded of the requirement to salvage and stockpile sufficient topsoil for reclamation.