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The inspection was conducted by Michael Cunningham of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />(Division). Steve Williams of Washington County Road and Bridge District No. 3 was also present for the <br />inspection. The Nickell Gravel Pit is located 11 miles south of Last Chance, CO. The site is permitted for 67.95 <br />acres and the post- mining land use is rangeland. <br />The permit sign was posted at the site entrance and the boundary of the affected area was clearly delineated <br />per Rule 3.1.12. No mining was taking place at the time of the inspection; however, the site is considered to be <br />active since mining last occurred in February 2013. Mining is currently taking place within the channel of Vega <br />Creek, an ephemeral stream, which was dry at the time of the inspection. The Operator is removing material <br />from the creek bottom and stockpiling the material on the west bank of the creek. There is a natural cut -bank <br />along the east side of Vega Creek, the Operator has not disturbed any portion of the eastern bank. According <br />to the Operator, the mining operation will proceed to the north end of the permit area within the next year. <br />The Operator is currently utilizing the access road which connects the permit area to State Highway 71; <br />however, the Operator would like to utilize an existing entrance off of County Road 2. The site entrance from <br />County Road 2 is within the permit boundary; therefore, a permit amendment is not required. In order to <br />utilize the proposed site entrance, the Operator will need to file a Technical Revision to update the Mining <br />Plan. <br />Since all mining is currently contained to the channel of Vega Creek, no topsoil has been salvaged. Several <br />product stockpiles were located on the west creek bank, adjacent to the area which is currently being mined. <br />The Operator has reclaimed portions of the western creek bank, south of where mining is occurring. The <br />reclaimed creek banks have been reshaped to final grade, but still need to be seeded. The Operator should <br />seed these areas as soon as possible. Establishing vegetation on the creek banks will aid in the prevention of <br />erosion and will reduce and subsequent reclamation that might be required following a precipitation event. <br />This concluded the inspection. <br />Inspection Contact Address <br />Steve Williams <br />Washington County Dist #3 <br />P.O. Box 32 <br />Anton, CO 80801 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />PERMIT #: M -1994 -077 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: MAC <br />INSPECTION DATE: March 7, 2013 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />