2011-09-19_INSPECTION - M2007006

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M- 2007 -006 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: JLE INSPECTION DATE: August 30, 2011 This was a monitoring inspection of the Ted Franciscotti Pit #1; DRMS file no. M- 2007 -006, operated by Fremont Paving and Redi -Mix, Inc. This site is located approximately 7 miles north northwest of Walsenburg, Colorado in Huerfano County. I, Jared Ebert of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (Division) conducted the inspection. Several messages were left for Ms. Denise Gonzales of Fremont Paving and Redi -mix, Inc. to inform them of the inspection. However, no response was received and no one from the operation accompanied me on the inspection. This is a 282 acre 112c mining operation. The site is split into 7 phases; the current disturbance appears to be contained in the Phase 1 area. The Phase 1 area encompasses historic mining disturbances and previously permitted mine sites that have been terminated (M- 1997 -042 and M- 1998 -081). Since the permit was issued, it appears the Operator has only mined a small area in the northeast corner of the site based on the 2009 Annual Report. Overall, the site does not appear to be very different than how it was described in the 112c permit application. Several excavated basins exist at the site. The highwalls of these basins were measured and mapped using a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit. A map of the Divisions findings is enclosed with this report. The majority of the highwalls are approximately 10 to 15 feet high with 1:1 horizontal to vertical ratio slopes to near vertical slopes. Several stockpiles of material are in place that are various shapes and sizes. The north central portion of the Phase 1 area contains an old office /scale house and scale. A shallow pit basin is located to the west of these structures. This excavation appears to have been mined in various directions creating an odd shaped basin. While in this area, the landowners son Anthony Franciscotti approached me. He indicated this area had historically been mined for gold. Old mining and processing equipment owned by the landowner are in place in this portion of the permit area. To the east and south of this basin is the location of previously permitted mine sites. This area contains two deep pit basins. The slopes of these pits have been graded to a 3:1 ratio and revegetated. The vegetation established in these pits are very sparse. According to the 112c permit application; these basins will be partially or completely filled with reject /waste material from the future processing operation at the site. Two problems were observed at the site. First, the mine entrance sign was not in place at the entrance to the permit area. The Operator will need to replace the mine entrance sign. Second, a significant infestation of Russian Olive and Tamarisk trees have invaded the Phase 1 area. The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension commented on the Tamarisk issue in a letter dated June 19, 2008 according to the Division's files. Their letter recommended various treatments for the Tamarisk trees. A weed control plan was not included in the original permitting process. The Division will require to Operator to submit a weed control plan as a technical revision to the approved reclamation plan. The weed control plan must include: a.) A list of potential species of invasive weeds that may occur on the site (Russian Olive, Tamarisk, Canada Thistle, Leafy Spurge...etc.) b.) A description of the various control measures that will be employed for the weed species such as mechanical, chemical, biological control or a combination of the three methods. c.) Submit a monitoring plan that describes how often the operator will monitor the site for noxious weeds (monthly, bi- monthly etc.) and what action will occur if noxious weed are observed. d.) A post treatment monitoring plan to determine control effectiveness. e.) A commitment that the weed control plan will be implemented for the life of the permit. Page 2 of 6