1998-10-15_INSPECTION - M1977378

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(Page 2) MINE ID# OR PROSPECTING ID# M-77-378 INSPECTION DATE 8/21/98 INSPECTOR'S INITIALS WHE OBSERVATIONS This inspection occurred as part of DMG routine monitoring plan for permitted operations. Trina Morgan and Johanna Cramer, from the DMG Denver Office, participated in the inspection. Larry Perino, SGC, accompanied the DMG personnel throughout the inspection. Operator has commenced final reclamation. DMG holds $1,250,000 financial warranty. Records - On 2/1/98, DMG approved SR-02, reduction in financial warranty and reduction in permit area, for permitted areas not affected and for affected lands for which reclamation has been completed in accordance with permit conditions, the Act and Rules. Financial warranty was reduced from $2,197,000 to $1,250,000. Permit area was reduced from 459.26 acres to 243.65 acres. American Tunnel - Buildings, facilities, upland diversion ditch and access roads were well maintained. Affected area perimeter markers were observed. Water treatment plant was intact and active, treating diverted waters from Cement Creek. Cement Creek diversion inlet was not inspected. Reclaimed mine dump area appeared stable and well vegetated. Reclaimed pre-law lead carbonate mill tailings pond appeared stable and well vegetated, transplanted trees appeared to be thriving. The pre-law lead carbonate mill tailings pond had not been affected by the operator, however, it was included within the permit area. The operator reclaimed the pre-law disturbance and the area was removed from the permit area under SR-02. The material borrow area , released under SR-02, appeared stable and well vegetated. Sunnyside Basin - Mine identification sign and affected area perimeter markers were posted. Public access may be controlled by locked gate, gate was open. Domestic sheep and sheep-herders camp were observed within the basin. In addition to sheep grazing, the area is apparently utilized by recreationist. Four wheel drive enthusiasts have driven across reclaimed slopes resulting in adverse impact to revegetation efforts. Operator had posted numerous no trespassing signs along the established jeep trail. Unaffected lands and material borrow area were released under SR-02. Lake Emma Subsidence - approximately 4' of subsidence observed over the collapsed workings, operator indicated that backfilling activities continue from stockpiled material. Washington Pit - 20' highwall had been stabilized with 1 bench cut at 10' height. Evidence of instability was not observed for the upland talus slope. Vegetation was established on the pit floor, but sparse in the sun shaded area where snow remains throughout the summer season. Areas of sparse vegetative cover were rocky surface and appeared stable, evidence of excessive erosion/sedimentation to affected lands and to surrounding areas not observed. Reclamation completed in accordance with permit conditions, the Act and Rules. Sunnyside Pit - 30' highwall had been stabilized with 2 benches cut at 10' intervals. Several backfilled portals appeared stable, no discharge noted. Vegetation was well established on pit floor. Reclamation completed in accordance with permit conditions, the Act and Rules. Terry Tunnel - Mine identification sign and affected area perimeter markers were posted. Public access is controlled by locked gate. Alkaline injection at Terry Tunnel has been discontinued, all equipment removed. Two sediments ponds appeared stable, no discharge noted. Portal shed was intact, portal entry was blocked by locked gate. Surface drainage could be herd dripping in the portal, drainage from portal was visually estimated at <1 gpm, drainage reported to sediment pond. Vegetative cover was established on seeded areas and included various wheatgrasses, Timothy, Penstamon, Dalmation toad flax and thistle. DMG has identified Dalmation toad flax and thistle as regulated noxious weeds. Enclosed please find copy of DMG Weed Control Policy, dated 7/17/98.