_INSPECTION - C1981019 (6) - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 10, 2013 C-1981-019/Colowyo Coal Mine RDZ FISH and WILDLIFE—Rule 4.18: A porcupine was seen in the aspen/shrub enclosure, and Kurtis Blunt herded it out the gate. 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: The following ponds were inspected: Work Area,Wash Bay,West Taylor, East Taylor,West Pit, Prospect, Streeter, Gossard, Rail Loop, and Stoker Siding. The following ponds were discharging: West Taylor, East Taylor(via pump system), Streeter, and Stoker Siding (very small discharge). For all discharging ponds,no sign of pollutants was observed. The rest of the ponds were not discharging but held water and/or snow. One problem was observed: the primary spillway at the Work Area Pond has been leaking through the head gate (this had been communicated to DRMS on 12/9/2013). At the time of the inspection,the flume was covered with ice,but due to low temperatures it appeared that no water was flowing through the spillway. Colowyo indicated that this would be sealed in the near future using bentonite. Next year(late spring or early summer) a permanent repair for the spillway should be implemented. No other problems with embankments or other structures were observed. The embankments and emergency spillways were mostly covered with snow. The following additional observations were made regarding ponds: • East Taylor was being pumped out for cleaning; a sample was taken at the time of the initiation of the pumping of water. Along reach excavator(Caterpillar 32213)was on site to finish the cleaning operation;the material has been removed but final cleanup of banks will be performed. • The flume below the Rail Loop Pond has been cleaned. • At Stoker Siding Pond,muskrats continue to plug the lower holes of the primal v spillway. The pond remains functional. The West Pit reclamation(viewed from the large runaway truck ramp) and the south end of the East Pit reclamation were inspected and found to be covered with snow. No rills, ditch blowouts, or other problems were observed in either area. Culverts K, L,and M were clear. No other culverts were inspected. GENERAL MINE PLAN COMPLIANCE: The Colowyo Coal Mine was generally found to be in compliance with the mine plan. The road along Wilson Creek was driven and no unauthorized activities were observed. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 6 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 Page 3 of 9