2014-07-02_INSPECTION - C1996083

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Six sediment ponds (Pond F, D, B, C, J, and K) and associated drainages have been constructed within the permit area to capture drainage and runoff from four Gob Piles and other disturbed areas. Gob Pile 41 There was no activity here at the time of our inspection. This refuse pile was constructed in 2007. A slope measurement was shot on Gob Pile #1 from the toe resulting in a 62% slope. This measurement exceeds the approved maximum slope of 2:1. DRMS requested that BRL provide survey data for confirmation of whether or not the Gob pile has been constructed in accordance of the Rules. The slopes were stable with no signs of erosion. Whitetop is well established near the toe of the slope. Weed Spraying will need to be scheduled. Gob Pile #2 Preparation of the refuse material for grading and compacting was observed at this location during our inspection. Equipment was turning over the material so that it would increase drying time. Gob Pile 43 Equipment operators were active turning material over to facilitate the drying process before grading and compaction. A small volume of water was ponded on the north side of Gob Pile #3, and the operator was currently working to mitigate this. A drainage pipe with refuse material was observed draining from the haul road on the west side of Gob# 3 perimeter ditch into an area that has not been designed to receive drainage. The refuse water was braiding across vegetated area and making its way towards the perimeter ditch. BRL needs to address this concern with the appropriate mitigation as required by DRMS. Portions of the perimeter ditch of Gob Pile 43 contain excessive refuse sludge that is impeding any potential flow and causing water to pond. The drainage culvert on the east end of Gob Pile 43 that has been installed to receive any runoff is 3/ buried with soil /refuse. Maintenance is needed. SW side of Gob #3 perimeter drainage revealed a non functional silt fence that mirrors the disturbance area boundary (runs parallel to RR). Maintenance is needed. Gob Pile #4 Topsoil redistribution was currently underway on the west end just above bench 2. Therefore, we were able to observe the overall condition of the final graded refuse pile prior to topsoil placement. Significant rills and gullies were noted on the lower face of Gob Pile #4. I inquired as to whether or not BRL intends to regrade this area to eliminate the rills and gullies prior to topsoil placement, but I was informed that they do not plan to. It is concerning that as BRL redistributes the approved "suitable cover material ", that they will not be able to ensure that the cover material depth of 3.5' has been reached. Some areas will have more and some areas will have less. Additionally, OSMRE is concerned with drainage relating to this refuse pile. Although BRL does have perimeter drainages /terraced benches that are in place to receive such runoff, it is evident that the runoff is not being diverted to these drainages as intended and is diverting over the face of refuse pile instead.