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PERMIT #: M- 1978 -102 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: PSH <br />INSPECTION DATE: May 9, 2013 <br />Mine Sign <br />The mine identification sign was posted at the intersection of the southern boundary and the access road. <br />However, as cited as a problem on page 1, the sign does not identify the current Operator of the mine site and <br />does not comply with the requirements of Rule 3.1.12(1). <br />Mine Plan <br />The current mining disturbance consists of a 10 -15 foot high nearly vertical highwall excavation located in the <br />western half of the site. Mining and processing equipment and material stockpiles were observed on the pit <br />floor. An area in the northwest corner of the site was stripped of topsoil ahead of mining activity. The <br />Operator stated mining would continue to the south after the northwest corner was mined out. No <br />groundwater was observed in the pit floor. <br />The boundary markers and current excavation (affected area) were GPS surveyed with a Trimble Juno 3B by <br />the Division. As noted in the previous inspection report the boundary markers appear to be improperly <br />located. The boundary area was surveyed to be 9.86 acres, not the permitted 9.4 acres. The current <br />excavation was surveyed to be 2.54 acres. Based on a comparison between the map created by the Division <br />from the GPS survey and the original location map, the Division believes the southwest and east -north -east <br />boundary markers are improperly located. The Division recommends the Operator have a professional <br />surveyor verify the permit boundary and reset the boundary markers as required. <br />The results of the GPS survey conducted by the Division indicate the excavation has reached the western <br />boundary of the site. The Operator must stop the current highwall excavation along this section of the <br />western highwall. If the excavation continues to the west past the approved permit boundary, the Division <br />may issue a possible violation for failure to protect areas outside the affected land from damage occurring <br />during the mining operation and reclamation. The Division recommends the Operator backfill the portion for <br />the highwall along the western boundary to prevent any future impacts from the mining operation outside of <br />the permitted boundary. <br />Mr. Cozad stated the site is operated for more than 180 days per year and therefore does not need to file a <br />notice of Temporary Cessation or apply for Intermittent Status. <br />Reclamation Plan <br />No completed reclamation was observed during the inspection. The Operator stated reclamation would begin <br />in the northwest corner of the site with the backfilling of the highwall to a 3H:1V slope. The approved <br />reclamation plan allows for slopes up to 2H:1V, however the Division recommends the Operator reclaim at the <br />stated 3H:1V slope. A stockpile of topsoil was observed in the northwest corner of the site above the <br />highwall. No noxious weeds were observed during the inspection. <br />Financial Warranty <br />The Division holds a financial warranty in the amount of $7,711.00, which based on this inspection, is <br />adequate to complete reclamation at the site. <br />Photographs taken during the inspection and a copy of the GPS map created by the Division are attached. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />