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PERMIT #: M- 1977 -572 <br />INSPECTOR'S INITIALS: TOD <br />INSPECTION DATE: June 28, 2013 <br />OBSERVATIONS <br />This was a monitoring inspection conducted by Tyler O'Donnell of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and <br />Safety (Division). John Sutherland, the mine operator's representative, was present during the inspection. <br />The Lamar East Pit is located northeast of Lamar Colorado, on the east side of Highway 50. The Lamar East Pit <br />is permitted as a sand and gravel pit. The approved permit area is 72.20 acres. The approved post- mining <br />land use is wildlife habitat. <br />The sky was clear and the ground was dry, with the exception of the exposed groundwater. No mining <br />equipment was present at the time of the inspection. The last annual report indicates the site has not been <br />operational since September 2012. The site appears to have been backfilled, graded and seeded. <br />On June 21, 2013 the Division approved the succession of operators from Valco Inc. to the City of Lamar. The <br />City of Lamar is now the operator of the Lamar East Pit. The operator's representative explained that the City <br />of Lamar has plans to create an open space park once the reclamation has been completed. If the operator <br />intends to add recreation land use to the existing post- mining land use they may do so under a technical <br />revision. The operator may also update and /or add additional information to the reclamation plan and the <br />weed control plan under the same technical revision. <br />Backfilling and Grading: <br />The site has been backfilled and graded with slopes 3H:1V or flatter. <br />Hydrologic Balance: <br />The site is located south of the Arkansas River. The site contains of 3 ponds with a combined approximate <br />surface area of 30 acres. There appeared to be no significant impacts to the prevailing hydrologic balance. <br />Roads: <br />The access road was in good condition. <br />Recl Plan /Comp: <br />The operator has successfully backfilled and graded slopes 3H:1V or flatter. <br />Revegetation: <br />The current site conditions suggest that much of the planted seed has failed to germinate. There are isolated <br />patches where planted vegetation is starting to become established. The previously mentioned patches of <br />established vegetation account for approximately 5% of the permitted area. There were annual weeds <br />observed during the inspection. The desired vegetation is relatively sparse. The operator will need to <br />continue to monitor and treat weed infestations at the site and possibly re -seed portions of the permitted <br />area. <br />Tamarisk (salt cedar) trees are-present within or have volunteered into the permit area and are becoming <br />established. This will be cited as a problem in this inspection report and will require corrective action. <br />The operator's representative explained that the City of Lamar has plans to use a water wheel sprinkler to help <br />establish the desired vegetation. <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />