2012-02-15_INSPECTION - M1994005

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OBSERVATIONS PERMIT #: M- 1994 -005 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 Colona Gravel Pit is a 112c permitted site located off Highway 550, south of Montrose, in Montrose County. Jason Burkey and Brent Kerr, representatives for United Companies, 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 observed as fencing along the perimeters as well as t- post and signage clearly delineating the area. An amendment to the mine and reclamation plans was approved in 2007. The plan changed the post mine land use to wildlife and addressed issues with mining 30 feet deeper which would expose ground water. Required documentation from the Division of Water Resources for an approved well permit was submitted by the operator in late 2007. At this time the inspector notes that the excavation to the anticipated water table has not occurred. No signs of that ground water was exposed were noted. The pit floor has several stockpiles of processed materials. It is evident that the piles have been worked recently. An excavator was observed parked on site. Fuel tanks are noted as being in a containment pit to the east of the current pit area above any water table. Pit edges are sloped to 2:1 or better with the exception of the northwest corner and eastern edges where current work and excavation are progressing. Highwalls are noted as being 10 to 15 feet in height. 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 is also noted on slopes established along the north pit edge. Slopes are 3:1 and vegetation is established in the southern pit area. The inspector and operator discussed the idea of a possible partial release some time in the future for these areas. The Annual Report submitted on 5/05/2011 indicates no activities. The inspector cautioned the operator to include stockpile removals, etc. as mining activities to avoid questions later in regard to temporary cessation requirements. The new annual reporting forms should help in this matter. The inspector observed no problems or violations at this time. The reclamation bond was recalculated in 2007 and is currently $161,568.00. The Division will do an update based on that estimate to ensure that inflationary costs are accounted for. 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 Jason Burkey and Brent Kerr Oldcastle SW Group, Inc. dba United Companies of Mesa County 2273 River Rd. Grand Junction, CO 81502 Page 2 of 2