_INSPECTION - C1981035 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 1, 2013 C-1981-035/King Coal Mine MLT HYDROLOGIC BALANCE - Rule 4.05 Drainage Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5, 4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Drainage — Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; Impoundments 4.05.6, 4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: • We inspected each of the manholes at King II, and discussed the drainage system that collects runoff from within the disturbed area and conveys the flow to the sediment pond. • As noted in the inspection report for Sept. 23, 2013, the operator continues to explore options, other than the erosion logs used currently, for protecting the drop inlets from becoming clogged with sediment, while preventing water from being impeded from reaching the inlets. (The Division observed that even if the manholes and buried culverts were to become clogged with sediment, all runoff from the disturbed area would still be directed to the King II sedimentation pond for treatment prior to discharge.) • Around the northern perimeter of the Coal Stack Tube 92 pad, a swale intercepts any runoff and carries the flow east and south, eventually into Manhole 92. A short segment of large- diameter (perhaps 60") culvert pipe has been placed in the swale to allow access to the small area between the swale and the topsoil stockpile. Neither the swale nor the culvert pipe appear on Map King II-007A, and so are not "designed",per se, which is not problematic. However, the culvert is filled approximately half-way with sediment, and the top has been crushed. The Division suggests that some improvements could be made to this feature, to ensure that the swale continues to function as intended and that access across the swale, if determined to be necessary, is not impeded. • The water level in each of the sediment ponds (King I East and West and King II) had dropped since the previous inspection. Presumably the changes are due to evaporation and infiltration; no discharges have occurred. • The operator is considering extending the two culvert pipes (C6 and C7 on Map King II- 007A) towards the pond. This will reduce or eliminate the need for the two trapezoidal ditch sections at the culvert outlets that have proved difficult to maintain, and also increase the surface area available for the mine's truck traffic and material storage. Extending these pipes can probably be accomplished through a minor revision to the permit. • At King I, runoff from the natural drainage located south of the former tipple enters an 18" culvert pipe (Reach 3 on Map King I-007) and runs beneath the surface facilities area, eventually reaching the West Pond. The inlet to this culvert was inspected and found to be clear. EXCESS SPOIL and DEVELOPMENT WASTE—Rule 4.09 Placement; Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization: • Much of the coal mine waste that had been end-dumped on top of the refuse pile has now been spread out and compacted. • Care should be taken to ensure that proper drainage is maintained at all times, including the cross slope of the top surface of the pile and the collection ditch that parallels the pile on the south. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: I Page 3 of 9