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MINE ID # / PROSPECTING ID #: M-1990-134 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: DMC <br />INSPECTION DATE: June 7, 2010 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) normal <br />monitoring program. The inspection commenced at approximately 2:00 p.m. on June 7, 2010. Joe Bower, of Bower <br />Construction, was present during the inspection. Figures are included at the end of this report to illustrate the conditions <br />observed during this inspection. <br />The Ross Pit is located approximately 3.7 miles east of Craig, and accessed by turning north off of Highway 394. <br />The mine identification sign is in place at the mine entrance just north of the irrigation canal, and in compliance with rule <br />3.1.12 (1) (Figure 1). <br />According to annual reports submitted by the Operator, some material removal from the water way had taken place <br />preceding this inspection. The majority of the bank slopes in this area appear stable with vegetation well established <br />(Figures 2-8). As a reminder to the operator, one of the conditions for approval of this permit was that the pond side slopes <br />be reclaimed at gradients no steeper than 4H: IV. The island left in the water way had suffered some significant slope <br />erosion due to wave action, which left the near vertical slopes observed during this inspection (Figure 8). The island is not <br />required by the reclamation permit and is not considered a problem at this time. <br />A noxious and/or problematic weed infestation was observed within the affected area. The infestation, if not controlled, will <br />most likely hinder and/or delay successful reclamation of this site and contribute to off-site spreading and establishment of <br />these weeds (Figure 6-7). A weed control plan developed in consultation with, and approved by, the appropriate local weed <br />control authority must be submitted as a Technical Revision to this permit. <br />Preceding the inspection, a camp trailer had been moved onto the site near the lake area (Figure 12) that, according to Mr. <br />Bower, belongs to the landowner. This is not considered a problem at this time because the trailer does belong to the <br />landowner, but it should be noted that the site must not be used as a place for storage/disposal of trash and other debris that <br />is not utilized for the mining operation. <br />During the inspection the pit floor was flooded by up to approximately one foot of water, which was contained in the pit <br />area (Figures 13-16). Most of the equipment observed in the pit area was parked in areas isolated from the water. It should <br />be noted that all of the equipment needs to be isolated from the water when not in use and during periods when the pit will <br />be flooded for any significant amount of time. <br />A small stock pile, less than approximately 50 yd.3 of coal was observed on site during the inspection (Figure 13). The <br />operator indicated that the coal is brought on site and crushed for resale. This is currently not approved by the DRMS <br />permit and permission to continue doing this must be gained through DRMS approval of a Technical Revision to the <br />permit. <br />No other problems or violations were noted during the inspection. <br />Questions or responses regarding this report should be directed to: <br />Dustin Czapla <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />101 South 3`d Street, Room 301 <br />Grand Junction, CO <br />81501 <br />Phone: (970) 243-6299 <br />Fax: (970) 241-1516 <br />Page 13