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This inspection was requested by the Operator, Transit Mix of Pueblo (TMOP) to discuss options and timing related to <br />future mining at the site. TMOP is considering an amendment to expand the mining area towards the north grass- covered <br />area and remove the area along the Arkansas River that is heavily forested with cottonwood trees, from the mine plan. <br />TMOP was represented during the inspection by Mark Klune (TMOP) and Gary Tuttle (Tuttle & Associates). The <br />Barnhart Pit site entrance is southeast of Pueblo, approximately a mile south of State Hwy 96 off Townsend Drive. <br />Inspection: <br />A permit sign was not displayed at the site entrance. The site is surrounded by fence and access is controlled by gates. <br />No indication of recent mining activity was observed. Mr. Klune indicated the site had not been mined since the mid to <br />late 1980s. No material stockpiles were observed, with the exception of a topsoil stockpile near the southwest corner (see <br />Photo 1). <br />The majority of the site has been naturally reclaimed. Two small lakes were observed near the west end of the site (see <br />Photos 2 and 3). Mr. Klune indicated these lakes were constructed prior to the enactment of the Colorado Mined Land <br />Reclamation Act when CF &I Steel owned the property. He also indicated the lakes were left in place as part of a <br />mitigation agreement related to some open water areas CF &I disturbed elsewhere in the vicinity. This should be <br />considered during any future changes to the reclamation plan. Some tamarisk and russian olive trees were observed near <br />the lakes (see Photos 2 and 4) and near the river. <br />Mr. Klune indicated the site hold two NPDES discharge points. The Operator has reported zero discharge every year <br />since mining ceased. <br />File Review Notes: <br />• The total permitted area is 67.80 acres. <br />• The previous inspection was performed on 8/23/07. No problems were noted. <br />• There is a $69,470.00financial warranty (corporate surety) for the site. <br />• Annual fees and reports are up to date through 2011. Annual reports were reviewed dating back to 2007. These <br />reports indicate no mining activity has occurred since at least 2006. These reports and previous inspection reports <br />indicate TMOP has been considering an amendment to the permit for several years. <br />• The post -mine land use is general agriculture. <br />Current Stipulations: <br />None. <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: M- 1984 -008 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TC1 <br />INSPECTION DATE: February 1, 2012 <br />Recommendations: <br />The Division recommends the following tasks be completed by the Operator: <br />1. The Division will assume the five -year reclamation period (C.R.S. 34- 32.5- 116(4)(q)(I)) began on the date of this <br />inspection, unless a letter from the Operator is received by April 16, 2012 stating otherwise. If mining is <br />proposed in the future, the site should be placed in Temporary Cessation pursuant to C.R.S. 34- 32.5 -103 (11) (b). <br />This is cited as Problem No. 1. <br />2. Implement a noxious weed control plan. Several small tamarisk trees and some russian olive trees were observed <br />in southern portion of the site near the lakes and river. The problem is not prevalent enough to be cited as a <br />problem, but could be if not addressed now. <br />3. Replace the missing permit sign(s). This includes one that should be at the gate off Townsend Drive and if one is <br />not present at the west entrance off East Ilex St. This is cited as Problem No. 2. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />