2013-04-12_INSPECTION - M1991075

• Permit No: M1991075
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Date: 4/12/2013
• Doc Name: INSPECTION REPORT
• From: DRMS
• To: OPERATOR
• Inspection Date: 3/6/2013
• Email Name: TOD
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted by Tyler O'Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
(Division). Allen Watts, the mine operator's representative was present during the inspection. The Barnes Pit is located
approximately 7 miles southwest of Towner, Colorado. The Barnes Pit is permitted as a gravel pit. The approved permit
area is 48.50 acres. The approved post- mining land use is rangeland.
The sky was clear and the ground was dry, with the exception of a few snow patches. Mining equipment was present at
the time of the inspection but not operational. The last annual report indicates the site has not been operational since
June 2012. The current disturbance appeared to be approximately 12 acres. No problems or violations were observed
during the inspection.
Backfilling and Grading:
Along the western portion of the permitted area a segment of the highwall had been backfilled and graded. The slope
was approximately 2.5H:1V to 3H:1V.
Hydrologic Balance:
The bottom of the pit was dry. To ensure there are no significant impacts to the prevailing hydrologic balance pre C.R.S.
§ 34- 32.5- 116(4)(h). The operator is advised to consider taking measures to prevent storm water capture of the nearby
drainage channel.
Gen. Compliance With Mine Plan:
Mining is currently progressing southward. The pit's highwall appears to be approximately 450 ft long, with an
approximate height of 25 ft. The operator's representative informed the inspector that Kiowa County had plans to begin
reclamation in the northwest corner of the permit area. All mining activity appeared to be within the approved permit
boundary.
Roads:
The access road was in good condition.
Recl Plan /Comp:
This site has not yet been reclaimed.
OBSERVATIONS
PERMIT #: M- 1991 -075
INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TOD
INSPECTION DATE: March 6, 2013
Revegetation:
At the time of the Inspection, there were almost no annual weeds observed. There some plant growth on the topsoil
stockpiles and very little vegetation growth elsewhere in the disturbed area. The plant growth within the disturbed area
appeared to be volunteer vegetation.
Erosion /Sedimentation:
There was evidence of erosion, a few rills and gullies were observed on the northwestern portion of the permit area.
Signs and Markers:
A mine I.D. sign was located at the entrance to the mine site. The permit boundary was clearly marked by metal posts.
Topsoil:
The topsoil stockpiles were located along the eastern edge of the active pit. The representative explained to the
inspector that material had recently been added to the topsoil stockpile. The representative stated that the topsoil
stockpiles were to be seed in the near future.
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