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PERMIT #: M-1986-016 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: JLE <br />INSPECTION DATE: March 22, 2011 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a monitoring inspection of the Caldwell Brothers 3 site; M-1986-016 operated by the Caldwell <br />Brothers. This site is located approximately 3 miles south of Rocky Ford, Colorado in Otero County. I Jared <br />Ebert of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety conducted the inspection. Mr. Dennis <br />Caldwell, the brother of Wayne Caldwell the permittee accompanied me on the inspection. <br />This is a 51 acre 112c mining operation for sand and gravel. A mine identification sign was in place at the <br />entrance to the mine site. The majority of the site has been reclaimed. There is a small excavation area <br />located in the southwest corner of the site. A map highlighting the Division's findings is enclosed with this <br />report; as well as a copy of the current approved mining plan map. Mr. Caldwell pointed out the boundary <br />markers encompassing the southwest corner of the affected land. Using a Trimble GPS unit, the Division <br />surveyed the location of the current boundary markers. They are depicted as yellow dots on the enclosed <br />inspection map. Using the current approved mining plan map, the Division estimated the location of the <br />permit boundary. The boundary markers do not appear to be in the correct location. The Division will require <br />the boundary markers to be re-surveyed and marked correctly. This issue is cited as a problem at the <br />beginning of this report and will require corrective action to be taken by the Operator. <br />The permit area is an odd shaped polygon. The northern portion of the site was mined in the late 70's and <br />into the 80's. This area has been reclaimed. The side slopes of the excavation were graded to a 3:1 horizontal <br />to vertical ratio or less. The site has been revegetated with native grass and forbs. The access road borders <br />this area to the south and continues west and then south into the remaining portion of the permit area. There <br />is a small area in the center of the site designated as the "Deleted Area" on the approved mining plan map. <br />This area appeared to be un-affected by the mining operation in accordance with the approved mining plan. <br />Also, there is a small "Batch Plant Area" not included within the permit boundary located south of the <br />entrance to the permit area. According the permit file, this area was to be used as an industrial site by Otero <br />County. There were a few small stockpiles in this area. <br />A small pit excavation with a 430 foot long, 15 foot tall highwall is located in the southwest portion of the site. <br />The pit floor is level and the highwall is primarily vertical. According to Mr. Caldwell, mining occurs a few <br />times a year. Mining appears to be advancing to the west and south. An area east of the highwall is used to <br />store piles of tree debris. There appears to be a small excavation just outside the southern boundary. <br />According to Mr. Caldwell, this excavation occurred long ago prior to permitting. This area has a few steep <br />cuts, however vegetation has volunteered through this portion of the site. <br />Page 2 of 5