2012-01-30_INSPECTION - M1991097

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M- 1991 -097 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: GRM INSPECTION DATE: January 19, 2012 This inspection is part of the normal monitoring program established by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division). The Triple R Gravel Pit is a 112c permitted site located off Highway 550, south of Montrose, in Montrose County. Chris Miller, representative for Ouray County, the permittee, accompanied the inspector on site. The mine identification sign and affected area boundary markers are in place and in compliance with Rule 3.1.12. The sign is located at the entrance to the site. Permit boundaries were noted as fencing along the perimeters. The mine plan distinguishes two phases. Mining is still in Phase 1 which is the southern pit. Phase 2 is undisturbed and observed as still a hay field. The pit floor has several stockpiles of processed materials. It is evident that the piles have been worked recently. Pit edges are sloped to 2:1 or better with the exception of the northwest corner where current work and excavation are progressing. A small 10 foot highwall noted. Some sloping along the north, east, and south is 3:1 with established vegetation. Annual grasses noted were wheatgrass and bromes. There was some evidence of annual weeds but no noxious weeds were observed. An office and garage are located on the south end of the project. Equipment and materials are stored here. Fuel tanks and mag- chloride are noted as being in a containment pit to the west of this area. Topsoil from the project is being stockpiled as visual berms along the west side adjacent to the highway right of way. The primary berm is vegetated with annual grasses that are doing well, but some bare spots were observed. This may be due to some irrigation issues the operator noted. Immature trees planted do not appear to be doing so well but at this time of year it is difficult to access. No noxious weeds were observed. The secondary pile is behind the original visual berm and substantially taller. The inspector notes that there is zero vegetation growth of any kind on the pile. The operator notes that the pile is regularly sprayed for weeds. While weed control is a good practice, per Rule 3.1.9, topsoil piles must be protected from erosion. A thick crust is preventing the loss of material but the stockpile should have a vegetative cover unless it is going to be used in the next year. The inspector is opting to note the lack of protective cover on topsoil as an issue of concern and not a problem. The operator notes that they will seed the area to establish a cover. If the issue is not addressed as requested and indicated staff will change it to a problem with specific correction actions and dates during the next inspection. No groundwater was observed in the pit. The final reclamation notes the area will be two ponds. The inspector advised the operator to begin the process for water augmentation now. The process takes some time and must be in place prior to the exposure of any groundwater. The lack of an augmentation plan if water was exposed would be a violation which could carry civil penalties, etc. This can be avoided if the County is proactive. The Annual Report submitted on 11/21/2011 reflects current site disturbances and activities. The inspector observed no problems or violations at this time. Other than a need to address a proper vegetative cover for the topsoil pile noted above the site complies with the approved mining and reclamation plans. Responses to this inspection report should be directed to Russ Means at the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, Grand Junction Field Office, 101 South 3rd Street, Room 301, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501, phone no. 970 - 241 -1117. Inspection Contact Address Chris Miller Ouray County P.O. Box 456 Ridgway, CO 81432 Page 2 of 2