2010-12-07_INSPECTION - M1996008

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PERMIT #: M-1996-008 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: GRM INSPECTION DATE: December 1, 2010 OBSERVATIONS This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division). Division inspector Russ Means was accompanied by Western Gravel, Inc. Representative Shauna Hovey on site. The North R-34 Pit, is a I I2c permitted gravel pit located off La Salle Road due west of Western Gravel's main plant. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. The sign is located at the site entrance. Permit boundaries are marked by t-posts, elk fencing, and other readily identifiable features. Currently the operator has mined approximately 5 acres of the 32.9 acres of approved affected lands. The area disturbed is well within the approved phasing for mining and reclamation plans. The direction of excavation is to the north and east as approved. Final sloping appears not to have been done along the south or west side. There is no equipment on site. Raw materials are mined and sent directly to the processing site just east of the pit. Therefore no stockpiles are present. In 2007 an amendment was done to change the mining plan and dewatering. A review of the permit notes water exposure issues were addressed in an approved augmentation plan at that time. No fuels or mine related debris were observed on site. Stormwater drainage appears to be contained on site. Currently no reclamation has been initiated. The site is noted as having very little topsoil. What topsoil is available has been stockpiled along the west side. Some vegetation is noted protecting the soil from erosion although it is volunteer in nature and thin. Given the time of year an accurate assessment is difficult. Western Gravel is currently working on gaining and submitting new reclamation financial warranties for all of its sites. The cancelation notices of the current bonds are facilitating inspections and reviews by the Division. The bond for this site was reviewed as part of the inspection. The bond was recalculated in 2006 and reviewed again in 2009. Currently the bond covers re-sloping of 3.5 acres of shoreline and 5 acres of vegetation. The current disturbance has approximately 2.2 acres of shoreline and 3 acres total for revegetation. Therefore, the current bond of $18,921.00 appears to be adequate. At this time the operator could reduce the liability at the site by beginning reclamation along the south and west. 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. Inspection Contact Address Shauna Hovey Western Gravel, Inc. 3001 N. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401 Page 2 of 4