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OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a routine monitoring inspection conducted by Tyler O'Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />(Division). Allen Watts, the mine operator's representative was present during the inspection. The Schmidt Gravel Pit is <br />located approximately 5.5 miles north of Towner, Colorado. The site is permitted as a gravel pit. The approved permit <br />area is 9.50 acres. The approved post- mining land use is rangeland. <br />The sky was clear and the ground was dry. No mining equipment was operating or present at the time of the inspection. <br />The last annual report indicates the site has not been operational since March 2012. The current disturbance appeared <br />to be approximately 7 acres. No problems or violations were observed during the inspection. <br />Backfilling and Grading: <br />No backfilling and grading has been conducted on the site. <br />Fish and Wildlife: <br />Fresh pronghorn tracks were observed entering and exiting the excavated pit. <br />Hydrologic Balance: <br />The bottom of the pit was dry. There was no evidence of excessive erosion. There appeared to be no significant impacts <br />to the prevailing hydrologic balance. <br />Gen. Compliance With Mine Plan: <br />Mining activity was taking place along the western portion of the permit area. The current pit was approximately 25 ft <br />deep. All mining activity appeared to be within the approved permit boundary. <br />Roads: <br />The access road was in good condition. <br />Recl Plan /Comp: <br />This site has not yet been reclaimed. <br />Erosion /Sedimentation: <br />There was no evidence of excessive erosion (rills, gullies, or sediment fans). <br />Topsoil: <br />There was an adequate amount of topsoil stockpiled along the northern portion of the permit area. <br />PERMIT #: M- 2000 -048 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TOD <br />INSPECTION DATE: March 6, 2013 <br />Revegetation: <br />At the time of the Inspection, there were almost no annual weeds observed. There was almost no plant growth on the <br />topsoil stockpiles and very little vegetation growth elsewhere in the disturbed area. The plant growth within the <br />disturbed area appeared to be volunteer vegetation. <br />Signs and Markers: <br />A mine I.D. sign was located at the entrance to the mine site. The permit boundary was clearly marked by metal posts. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />