Laserfiche WebLink
(see photo #13552). This is likely due to railroad maintenance activities, but is within the permit <br />boundary and should be cleaned out. <br />The side -by -side clear and disturbed area diversions on the east side of the access road south of <br />the Elk Creek generating station, north of Pond D are intact and functional. The berm separating <br />the channels is currently stable. The "clear water" diversion west of the rock dust tank is routed <br />to Pond D for treatment due to potential rock dust contamination. Although there was no water in <br />the diversion during this inspection, a stand of cattails appears to indicate a small seep emanating <br />from the undisturbed area. This is likely water seeping from the E seam, which outcrops at this <br />location (see photo #13553). The clear water diversion south of the segment routed to Pond D is <br />routed directly to Elk Creek. This diversion is adjacent to the Elk Creek Haul Road and should <br />have a sediment control structure prior to being routed off site (there is no berm to prevent road <br />drainage from entering this channel, see photo #13556). Dense vegetation could be concealing <br />old hay bales, and sediment is accumulating in the area just above the discharge culvert. Please <br />ensure proper sediment control in this area. <br />A sediment trap on the north side of the West Valley Haul Road (north of the cemetery) has been <br />damaged and requires maintenance. <br />Topsoil (Rule 4.06): Topsoil in this region is generally thin and poorly developed. Portions of the <br />mine site were disturbed prior to the enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation <br />Act, so topsoil was not salvaged at those areas. Topsoil has been salvaged and stockpiled for all <br />disturbances since the mine was permitted under the regulatory program. All observed topsoil <br />stockpiles were stable, well vegetated, and marked. <br />Bond Release (Rule 3.03): There are several older reclaimed areas including the old Somerset <br />mine portals, Hubbard fan, and pre -law gob holes that have been reclaimed for over 10 years and <br />could be eligible for bond release. Oxbow does not intend to re- disturb these areas and may <br />consider submitting a bond release application. The sealed utility borehole and surrounding area <br />near the reclaimed Hubbard fan site is the dividing line between Oxbow and Forest Service <br />landownership. The Forest Service has expressed interest in retaining the clearing as a stock <br />trailer parking area. This would require a permit revision to change the post mining land use. <br />No bond release applications are currently pending. <br />Signs and Markers (Rule 4.02): The mine identification sign at the entrance from State Highway <br />133 is intact and contained all necessary information in accordance with 4.02.2. The disturbed <br />area perimeter is marked with white posts in accordance with 4.02.3. Blasting signs were <br />displayed in accordance with 4.02.6. All observed topsoil stockpiles are marked in accordance <br />with 4.02.7. <br />General Compliance: The water tank area is well maintained. Oxbow intends to transfer the raw <br />and potable water tanks, water treatment facility, and water rights to the town of Somerset when <br />the mine is reclaimed. Our brief discussion revealed that we are not sure whether retention of <br />these facilities is permitted in the reclamation plan. Please ensure the permitted reclamation plan <br />reflects the desired reclamation plan. <br />