2011-08-02_INSPECTION - M1994011 (2)

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M -1994 -011 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: GRM INSPECTION DATE: July 19, 2011 This inspection was conducted as part of the normal monitoring program of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division) for permitted sites. The West End Gravel Pit is a 112c permitted site located southeast of Nucla, Colorado on old Highway 90. The inspector met on site with West End Gravel Construction representative Bob Sutherland. The mine identification sign complies with Rule 3.1.12 and is located at the gated entrance to the site. However the sign was lying in the weeds. The sign must be secured as soon as possible to a more visible location. The inspector is electing not to note the issue as a problem at this time. Permit boundaries are marked by t -posts that clearly delineate the affected areas. The site shows no signs of recent activity. There are three mined benches. The lower bench is somewhat reclaimed with proper grading but little positive vegetation. Just off the permit boundary area is a stockpile of materials that belongs to the landowner for ranch uses. The second level is a mined out bench used as a staging and process area. Stockpiles are overgrown with weeds and other volunteer vegetation. The staging area is stable but weeds and volunteer vegetation again indicate no recent activity. No mobile or support equipment was observed on site. Screening and stacking equipment was noted but appears to be in disrepair. On the upper third lift a small highwall still exists. Several tree stumps have been deposited in the work area close to the toe of the slope. Another observation of little or no activity is the vegetation growing up through and around the stumps. A review of annual reports submitted by the operator indicates no activity since 2002. Some reclamation of the site has been done. The work is primarily earthwork and there is little sign of any vegetation efforts. The lower first bench has been grading and appears stable. Rabbit brush and sage, with some native grasses are noted. The diversity and density however do not meet any standards. As noted below, tamarisk and knapweed were observed which hampers all reclamation efforts. The second level is level and stable. Reclamation in this area is focused on the slopes located in the northeast corner towards the west. Slopes appear to be 3:1 as required. The lack of or very little vegetation has resulted in minor riling as expected. These areas should be ready for release as the work was done in 2002 according to documentation. However, vegetation efforts either were not completed or failed. Per Rule 3.1.3 the time limit for reclamation is 5 years after activity ceases. Annual reports indicate the last activity was possibly 2002, clearly well beyond the 5 year limit. The lack of mining activity and lack of progress towards reclamation is noted as problems at the end of this report with corrective actions and dates. There are state - listed noxious weeds present on site. Mature knapweed was observed throughout the site as well as mature tamarisk on the lower reclaimed bench area and immature bushes on the upper mining bench. This is a problem for failure to employ weed control methods for state listed noxious weed species within the permitted area, and to reduce the spread of weeds to nearby areas as required by Section 3.1.10 (6) of the rule. The operator shall develop a weed control and management plan in accordance with Section 3.1.10 (6) of the Rule. This plan should be developed in consultation with the county extension agency, or weed control district office and should include specific control measures to be applied, a schedule for when control measures will be applied, and a post- treatment monitoring plan. The lack of noxious weed control is noted as a problem at the end of this report with corrective actions and date. Page 2 of 4