2011-06-10_INSPECTION - M1988021

Home Browse Search

PERMIT #: M-1988-021 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: RCO INSPECTION DATE: May 20, 2011 OBSERVATIONS This was a routine monitoring inspection of a Construction Materials 110c permit and a pre-operation inspection of the area to be added to the permit under the current amendment (AM-1). Scott Lamb, the operator, was not present during any of the inspection, but the parties that are to become the operators under the upcoming permit transfer (SO-2) were present throughout the inspection. Some equipment belonging to the former onsite operator was still present at the site, but will be removed soon. Availability Of Records: The amendment application included sufficient maps and narrative to describe the undisturbed area and the planned operations. Past annual reports adequately describe the existing disturbance that was observed onsite. Backfilling and Grading: The pit slopes are being maintained at nearly 3:1, to improve the stability at the site and to reduce the bond needed for reclamation earthwork. The expansion of the site through this amendment will continue the 3:1 mining. The floor of the active part of the pit is several feet lower than the staging area, and it will be partially backfilled as the pit expands northward, to bring the elevation closer to the surrounding area and to avoid exposing groundwater. Complete Inspection: The existing 5.00-acre permit area is nearly fully disturbed, and much of it has been partially reclaimed (such as the level staging area and 3:1 rough-graded slopes). No fuel is stored onsite, and there was no debris or contamination. Stockpiled product is limited. The site is operated in an orderly manner. The additional 4.99 acres to be added under this amendment are presently in upland range-type vegetation. It is gently sloping toward the Rio Grande to the west, exhibits deep dark soils (1-2 ft deep or more), and no noxious weeds or erosion. It is open to cattle grazing, though grazing may need to be deferred or areas fenced when the site is seeded for revegetation. Financial Warranty: The bond will be recalculated for the amendment, and sent to the operator under separate cover. Hydrologic Balance: There is no exposed groundwater and no impounded surface water. All stormwater can be controlled onsite by the depressed pit floor and low berms along the western edge of the staging area. The stormwater controls must be maintained to keep this designated as a "no discharge" site. Roads: The ramp road down into the pit (specifically the segment within the permitted area, not the level segment outside the permit) may be moved either northward or southward to enter the pit at a different location. This change may be made without a technical revision, but must be reported on an annual report, and must be contained within the permit boundary, as amended. The operator should note that MSHA might require safety berms or limit the gradient. Page 2 of 4