2014-01-21_INSPECTION - C1981012 (2)

Home Browse Search

January 8, 2014 C- 1981- 012/New Elk Mine LDS points below to ensure that they can handle the increased volume. A new technical revision will be needed, or it could be included in TR68 • In the meantime, the existing structures had been improved. C16b had been cut at the outlet and will need to be flushed when the weather allows. C16c had been lowered, and the parallel black pipe had been removed. Drop inlets 2 and 3, and C31 had been flushed • The unidentified culvert at the outlet of C 16 had not yet been addressed • The unidentified culvert with an outlet into drop inlet 3 had not yet been addressed • Culvert C 11 had not been addressed, the inlet was completely obscured. This does not appear to be critical since the recent rain has been successfully conveyed to pond 7 without significant noticeable damage. Regardless, the surface drainage of this area should be re- designed, with the design handled in TR68. • Around the Bates portals, the surface water structures had been pretty much finished, and were largely as shown on the draft version of Map 13, with the following comments: • Ditch D24c 1 does not really exist and is not needed • Sheet flow to the inlet of C34 is preferable given the high voltage power lines and other facilities in the area • The conveyor lines still need to be brought up to date on Map 13 • The new structures will need to have supporting designs submitted with TR68 GENERAL MINE PLAN COMPLIANCE: Despite the recent business difficulties experienced by NECC, it is to the credit of all involved that the situation on the ground at the mine has improved significantly since the summer of 2013. It should also be noted that the pre -law "trash" on the far southern edge of the disturbance boundary towards the western end of the site had been cleared. Several permitting actions are in progress: • TR68 (which is a response to MT6). The proposed decision due date is January 31, 2014, and will need to be extended. The Division is waiting on a response to the adequacy letter of November 27, 2013. Meanwhile, the Division is also working on a review of the proposed section 3 • RN6 (has been found complete, but can't be reviewed for adequacy until TR68 has been approved) • TR67 and MR120 were both withdrawn by NECC shortly after the inspection PROCESSING WASTE /COAL MINE WASTE PILES — Rule 4.10 and 4.11 Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: The RDA was well drained and showed no signs of instability. Spilled refuse beside the RDA conveyor still needs to be cleaned up. ROADS — Rule 4.03 Construction 4.03.1(3)/4.03.2(3); Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4); Surfacing and Maintenance 4.03. 1(5) and (6)/4.03.2(5) and (6); Reclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): Roads around the site were in good condition. The light use road beside the RDA conveyor had not been graded, but had been repaired with an excavator and was passable in a light truck. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 4 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 Page 6 of 16