2014-06-16_INSPECTION - C1981022

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June 11, 2014 C- 1981 - 022 /Elk Creek Mine MLT • Mr. Kiger said the Bear Creek Fansite may one day be converted to a methane capture facility, with the postmining land use changed to Industrial. Among other things, this would require approval for permanently confining that segment of Bear Creek to a culvert. PROCESSING WASTE /COAL MINE WASTE PILES — Rule 4.10 and 4.11 Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: • We inspected the II West Coal Refuse Facility, which has a Valley -Fill configuration. • Approximately 30 loads of refuse had been dumped toward the forward end of the pile's top surface (Photo 3). No standing water was observed on the facility, and the compacted surface appeared to have been graded to drain properly. • A berm constructed of cover material was in place across the front of the pile, to prevent any runoff from flowing over the pile's outslope (Rule 4.09.1(5)). • The pile has not yet reached the level at which the second terrace will be constructed. Riprapped diversion ditches along the sides of the facility appeared to be adequately maintained (Photo 4). • A historic landslide is located in the drainage upstream of the II West facility. It did not show any signs of recent movement (Photo 3). REVEGETATION — Rule 4.15 Vegetative Cover; Timing: This appears to be a very active year for Yellow sweet clover. Its presence was observed throughout the North Fork valley, and it was plentiful within the permit area. • The mine has been actively spraying various weeds within the disturbed areas. Two products, "Crossbow" and "Curtail ", are being used, both singly and in combination, to control weeds such as Scotch thistle and Russian knapweed. • The outslope of the II West Coal Refuse Pile (Photo 4) has been covered with suitable material, and seeded. Grasses were observed to have sprouted in the area seeded in 2013, and vegetation was maturing on the lower slopes, which were seeded in previous years. Palmer penstemon, Yarrow, Blue flax, and Basin wild rye appeared to be doing well. SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04: • The Bear Creek Fansite is currently inactive. • The main shaft is shrouded with tarps, and the seams are sealed with an expansive foam material (Photo 5). This step was taken to prevent any inflow of air to the workings below. The bottom of the shaft may now be blocked by material that has spalled off the sides in recent months. The main borehole (Photo 6) could potentially be utilized in the future by Vessels Coal Gas in their methane capture program. ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS /COMPLIANCE No enforcement actions were initiated as a result of this inspection, nor are any pending. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 12 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 Page 3 of 6