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OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: P- 2008 -044 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: RCO <br />INSPECTION DATE: July 28, 2011 <br />This was a follow -up monitoring inspection by the Division to assess the condition and success of stabilization <br />and reclamation measures implemented by the operator at the lower portal area and the upper drill site. This <br />inspection was performed since the inspector was at another site in the close proximity, and there was no <br />opportunity to contact the operator before this inspection. The site was not active and the operator was not <br />present at the time of the inspection. <br />The lower portal site did not exhibit any signs of deterioration of the portal closure earthwork. The backfilled <br />portal was dry and was not eroded. The bermed area outside the portal was also dry. The containment berms <br />were intact and appeared functional. <br />The small piles of debris noted previously, at the SE and NW ends of the portal bench, are not part of the <br />operational debris of this project. They are related to the pre- existing structures and debris at the site, from <br />prior to this project. As such, though it is contingent on USFS concurrence, they will not be part of this <br />operator's final reclamation responsibility. <br />There was only one issue to be noted about remaining reclamation work at the lower portal site: the existing <br />patch of Canada thistle (noted in previous inspection reports) on and near the containment berm at the SE <br />end of the bench has grown in size (toward the SW where the road crosses the berm). It did exhibit signs of an <br />early -2011 season herbicide treatment, but the number of new rosettes and the area they occupy have <br />grown. It is the opinion of this inspector that the occurrence of this patch is due to the germination of seeds <br />in the disturbed soils of the reclamation work in 2009 and 2010. This was discussed with the operator soon <br />after the inspection, and the operator is aware that an aggressive treatment is needed before the 2011 <br />growing season ends, as well as several treatments next year, to bring this patch under control and eliminate <br />it. This is not a problem at this time, since the operator has been addressing the weeds, but this inspector will <br />be checking for effective containment and reduction of the size of the patch in 2012. <br />The upper drill pad site was inspected and found to be in good condition. The backfilling of the drill pad on <br />the hill slope, and topsoil replacement are stable and complete. There was no sloughing onto the forest road, <br />the road and water bars were in good condition, and no visible sediment was being transported down the hill. <br />Woody slash was scattered across the disturbed area. The amount of revegetation from the operator's <br />seeding activities has increased dramatically since the site was observed two months ago. The site now <br />appears to be adequately vegetated according to the approved reclamation plan. <br />There is a $7,000 bond on this site, which is considered more than sufficient to perform the outstanding <br />reclamation. The Hard Rock /Metal Rules do not allow bond reductions for NOls, for sites which have been <br />partially reclaimed. At this time, the Division considers all reclamation, except for the noxious weed control, <br />to be completed. When reclamation is finished, a full release request may be submitted. Please refer to Rule <br />4.16 for the release request procedure. <br />For questions about this report, please contact this inspector at the Division's Durango Field Office: <br />DRMS — Durango Field Office <br />691 CR 233, Room A -2 <br />Durango, CO 81301 <br />Telephone: 970 - 247 -5193 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />