2011-07-08_INSPECTION - M1978210

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M -1978 -210 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: MAC INSPECTION DATE: June 30, 2011 The inspection was conducted by Michael Cunningham of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division). Clay Kimmi of Weld County Public Works was also present for the inspection. The Geisert Pit is located in north Greeley at 933 N. 11th Avenue. The site is permitted for 103.13 acres and the current post - mining land use is wildlife habitat. The Division had incorrectly cited the post- mining land use as recreation in the report of the inspection conducted on January 27, 2010. A review of the permit file found the post- mining land use of wildlife habitat was established under Amendment No. 2. This inspection was conducted in response to the submittal of an Amendment Application Package. Amendment No.4 (AM -04) proposes to add developed water resource to the post- mining land use; the permitted acreage will remain unchanged. The Geisert site currently consists of two unlined groundwater ponds, which are located in the southern portion of the site immediately north of the Cache la Poudre River. The west pit is approximately 26.3 acres and the east pit is approximately 12.3 acres. Both of the pits contained exposed groundwater; the Operator is not currently operating the pumps. The evaporative depletions associated with the exposed groundwater are covered under a Substitute Water Supply Plan which is valid through March 31, 2012. In accordance with the Division's groundwater policy, outlined in the Mining Operations With Exposed Groundwater Letter dated April 30, 2010, all mining operations must be in compliance with Colorado water laws and regulations governing injury to existing water rights both during and after mining. Under AM -04, the Operator will install a slurry wall around the west and east pits, thus preventing further groundwater exposure. Since the Operator of the Geisert Pit is a unit of a county government, no financial warranty increase to cover the cost of installing a slurry wall will be required. The purpose of AM -04 is to add developed water resource as a post- mining land use for the Geisert Pit. The submittal does not include design specifications or other details related to the construction of the slurry wall. The Operator has informed the Division that this information will be determined by a contractor who will perform the work. The Operator should note that approval of AM -04 will change the post- mining land use, but will not allow for the installation of a slurry wall. The design specifications of the proposed slurry wall will need to be submitted and approved under a Technical Revision before construction of the slurry wall may commence. The Geisert Pit also contains a constructed wetland immediately north of the pits, which covers an area approximately 18 acres in size. The wetlands have been terraced to create various microhabitats within the overall area. The wetlands contained groundwater at the time of the inspection and based on visual observations appeared to be thriving. East of the wetland area lies a 10 acre parcel of land which contains various Weld County facilities including: a fuel depot, an equipment yard, and a motor - grader training area. The Operator has requested release of the wetland area and the parcel of land with Weld County facilities as part of AM -04. The release of these areas from the current permit area must be processed under a separate release request. The release request must be in the form of a notice with the following information: 1) The Operator shall include the names and addresses and phone numbers of all owners of record to the affected land. 2)The written notice requesting release shall be sent by Certified Mail and be separate from other types of communication. 3)Such notice shall contain a signed statement by the Operator or their agent that all applicable portions of Page 2 of 4