2011-03-09_INSPECTION - M2000067

• Permit No: M2000067
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Date: 3/9/2011
• Doc Name: Inspection report
• From: DRMS
• To: Beavers Construction CO./High Mesa Gravel
• Inspection Date: 3/1/2011
• Email Name: THM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

PERMIT #: M-2000-067
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: THM
INSPECTION DATE: March 1, 2011
OBSERVATIONS
This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division
of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). The High Mesa Gravel Pit is located 9 miles north east of Delta,
Colorado off of Highway 92. The site is a 112c operation that is currently active. Wayne Toombs an associate
of Phil Bourassa accompanied the inspector during the inspection.
The mine identification sign was located at the main entrance but permit boundary markers were not identified
during the inspection Per Rule 3.1.12(2), the boundaries of the affected area shall be marked by monuments of
other markers that are clearly visible and adequate to delineate such boundaries. Please submit photo-
documentation that demonstrates proper placement of the required boundary markers no later than April 11,
2011.
The site was inactive during the inspection but evidence of recent mining activity was observed. The focus of
the recent mining activity occurred in phase one and two of the site. Approximately 18 acres of disturbance was
observed during the inspection. Approximately 1,800' of highwall at an approximate height of 17' was
observed. According to the revised mine plan approved April 7, 2003, TR-1 states that the operator commits to
keeping all slopes no steeper than 3H:1 V throughout the duration of the mining operation. The conditions
observed during the inspection are clearly out of compliance with the approved mine plan. The operator must
reduce all slopes to be no steeper than 311:1 V or submit a technical revision to revise the mine plan to include
the highwalls that exist at the site. The revised bond calculation included with this inspection report accounts
for the conditions observed during the March 1, 2011 inspection.
The Division observed that the primary permit contact is now Phil Bourassa with an address in Grand Junction
Colorado. The operator is still listed as Beavers Construction Co. / High Mesa Gravel, LLC. If Mr. Bourassa is
not associated with or owner of Beavers Construction Co. / High Mesa Gravel, LLC a succession of operator
will need to be filed in order for the permit to be in compliance with the Rules and Act. Please clarify
immediately what Mr. Bourassa's association with Beavers Construction Co. / High Mesa Gravel, LLC is in
order for the Division to determine whether or not action is needed.
Various piles of reject asphalt were observed during the inspection. Per Rule 3.1.5(9) the operator must notify
the Division of any proposed backfill activity not identified in the approved reclamation plan. Please review the
guidelines specified under Rule 3.1.5(9) and submit the required notification to this office no later than April
11, 2011.
In an effort to ensure that the financial warranty remains adequate to reclaim the site per the requirements of the
approved reclamation plan, DRMS has updated the reclamation cost estimate (copy enclosed). Therefore
pursuant to Sections 34-32.5-117(4) of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act, adequate financial warranty must
be submitted to the DRMS within 60 days of the mailing date of this report. Please review the enclosed figures
as soon as possible and contact our office if any calculation errors are noted.
If you need more information regarding this inspection report please contact Travis Marshall in the DRMS
Grand Junction Field Office at [phone].
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