2011-09-22_INSPECTION - M2003070

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This was a normal monitoring inspection of the Hinds Pit; DRMS File No. M- 2003 -070, Operated by Baca County. This site is located 3 miles north and 6.5 miles east of Campo, Colorado in Baca County. I, Jared Ebert of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety conducted the inspection. Mr. Norm Shaw of Baca County accompanied me on the inspection. This is a 112c mining operation with a 100 acre permit area. The affected land was measured using a Trimble GeoXT GPS Unit. A map of the Divisions findings is enclosed with this report. The site consists of a large pit excavation surrounded by a dirt road. The pit is approximately 35 feet deep with 3:1 horizontal to vertical ratio side slopes or flatter. The Operator pushes the material from the perimeter of the site to the center of the site. By doing this they create gentle pit slopes instead of vertical highwalls. The mined material is piled at the center of the site and processed. A large pile of processed material is located at the base of the pit. Topsoil has been stripped in advance of the mining operation and is stockpiled along the perimeter of the pit. The total affected land was measured to be approximately 9.91 acres. The current affected land is encompassed by a barbed wire fence. Based on a review of the Divisions files, the Office could not locate a map depicting the dimensions of the 100 acre permit area. The Exhibit F; Mining and Reclamation Plan map submitted with the application depicts a pit area of 43.49 acres consisting of a 1774 foot by 1068 foot polygon. This is inconsistent with the 100 acre permit area. The dimensions of the permit area need to be clarified. This issue is cited as a problem at the beginning of this report and will require corrective action to be taken by the Operator. In order to correct this issue, there are two options: OR, OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M- 2003 -070 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: JLE INSPECTION DATE: August 31, 2011 1.) If the County only intends to mine within the 43.49 acre dimensions depicted on the approved Mining and Reclamation Plan map, they could submit an acreage reduction request in accordance with Rule 4.17 of the Mineral Rules and Regulations of the Mined Land Reclamation Board for the Extraction of Construction Materials. This will consist of a written request for a reduction in permit acreage to 43.49 acres. The Operator must include the names, addresses and phone numbers of all owners of the affected land. This letter must be sent to the Division via certified mail. 2.) If the County intends to mine additional land beyond the 43.49 acres, they must submit a new mining and reclamation plan map that meets the requirements of Rule 6.2 (2) and 6.3.5. This map must clearly indicate the entire 100 acre permit area. These maps must be submitted as a Technical Revision to the permit. The fee for a Technical Revision is $216.00. Page 2 of 4