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p <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This inspection was conducted as part of the normal program monitoring program of the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS). DRMS inspector Russ Means met operator representative Robert Congdon <br />and Forest Service (FS) Representative Olivia Garcia at the mine site. The White Banks Mine is a small 110c <br />underground marble mine with 3.5 acres of approved permit area south of Carbondale on Avalanche Creek. <br />The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. The <br />sign is located on the main structure. Permit boundaries are marked by t- posts, fence lines, and geological features that <br />are easily identifiable. <br />Currently there are no underground activities taking place. What activities are taking place on the surface is site <br />maintenance and clean -up. Previous inspections noted various amounts of mining related debris around the mine dry <br />trailer and log structure that acts as an office and processing area for marble. Much of the debris has been removed <br />recently and useable machinery moved to a staging area near the processing area. The operator notes that there are <br />tentative plans to remove the mine dry trailer if an alternative structure is approved by the FS. <br />The portal area and staging area is orderly. Vent pipe is stacked neatly near the entrance. No equipment or other <br />materials were observed. The inspector notes the portal is secured by a heavy steel door and solid gate. The door through <br />the structure is secured by a heavy cable and lock. The cable and lock are very sturdy, but not tamper proof. A person <br />with a hacksaw or bolt cutters could cut the cable given the slack, etc. DRMS recommends that the operator install a <br />tamper proof system on the door for better security. <br />The portal and process area are located on the north side of the permit and have a small footprint. DRMS notes some <br />trees were planted on the access road berm and there is some native grasses established. On the other side of the main <br />access road is the mine dry and processed materials staging area. Vegetation in the area is native and much of the permit <br />area could still be classified as meadow like. Recent cleanup activities have left the parking area very dusty. DRMS staff <br />recommended to the operator that a temporary vegetation cover or other dust control be considered. No noxious weeds <br />were observed while walking the permit area. The operator notes that the area is canvassed once or twice a year. The <br />inspector noted to the operator that such activities and maintenance should be documented in the annual reports to show <br />activity on the site. <br />No petroleum products, fuels, or other hazardous materials were noted or observed on site. <br />' PERMIT #: M -1999 -042 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: GRM <br />INSPECTION DATE: September 16, 2010 <br />No erosion or sedimentation issues were observed. The main staging area is very flat, and vegetated. The small access <br />road to the portal is stable and shows no signs of riling or gulling. There are no surface excavations that impact <br />stormwater channels and no drainages through the permit area. <br />A large pile of waste material still is present within the permit boundaries. The waste pile is designated as fill and cap <br />material for a new by -pass road under consideration by the FS. It is noted that in 2004 this road was under consideration <br />and bonding is in place for its reclamation. The operator and FS have been working on an updated Plan of Operation <br />(P00) for several years. The current bond still reflects reclamation of the pile, removal of structures and power lines, and <br />reclamation of the portal. The bond is due for an update. DRMS will update the bond based on the current approved <br />plans and disturbance area. Once the FS and operator finalize the POO, the operator will be required to submit a <br />Technical Revision or Amendment addressing any changes to the mining or reclamation plans. At that time DRMS can <br />update the bond to reflect the changes as necessary. The bond recalcualtion will be addressed by separate cover. <br />Overall, the site complies with its approved mine and reclamation plans. No major issues are observed and only two <br />minor recommendations are noted. <br />Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, <br />Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970 - 241 -1117. <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />