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Two springs were noted on the reclaimed slopes (one at the new reclaimed RPE and the other in <br />the older reclaimed RPE area). These springs were not significant and were not creating any <br />erosion or stability concerns with the refuse pile. Slope measurements were recorded and <br />confirmation of slopes relating to the RPE has been confirmed to be within the approved limit of <br />2.5:1 (40 %). <br />Lower Refuse Pile (LRP) <br />West Elk has constructed a coal wash plant on the top of this pile and is permitted to temporarily <br />store refuse and coal development waste just to the north of it. If and when material is stored <br />here, it is then hauled up to the RPEE for final disposal as needed. <br />West Elk has already reclaimed the slopes of the LRP (backfilled, graded, reseeded) and all areas <br />point to successful vegetation establishment. Slope measurements were recorded at three <br />locations and as a result, a determination that this refuse pile has been constructed within the <br />approved limits of 2.0:1 (50 %) can be confirmed. <br />RPE Sediment Pond (East Cell and West Cell) <br />This sediment pond has been designed to provide capacity for runoff from RPE and RPE East <br />areas for a 100 -year, 24 hour storm event as required by the Rules. A pump was in place on the <br />west end of the east cell pond and was pumping water to the wash plant. All embankments <br />(inslope and outslope) of the east cell were stable and there were no rills and gullies at the time <br />of inspection. However, vegetation establishment is sparse on the top of the north side <br />embankment resulting in an area of exposed soil. Additional efforts should be implemented to <br />protect the embankments from any potential erosion. The east and west cells were holding water <br />but not discharging. <br />All drainage ditches inspected were stable and functioning as designed with the exception of a <br />few areas that will need some minor maintenance. Minor erosion was observed on the east side <br />of the drainage ditch (lower end) and will need to be repaired. Maintenance will be needed on <br />the lower end of the sediment control ditch (right before it flows into the RPE pond -east cell). <br />This area of the drainage makes a ninety degree turn before entering the pond and has been <br />designed with a half culvert rather than riprap in an attempt to decrease the weight load on the <br />steep slope. Evidence of some minor erosion beneath the culvert has occurred and will need to <br />be, repaired. <br />Topsoil (Rule 4.06): <br />A topsoil stockpile was observed above the fourth bench in the RPEE area. Vegetation was not <br />established on the stockpile but the operator mentioned they recently seeded the area. There has <br />been an obvious effort to retain the topsoil material in place by the extensive rock buttress that <br />was constructed at the toe end. The stockpile is stable and did not have any signs of erosion <br />during our inspection but it is important for the operator to continue monitoring it to ensure that <br />the seeding efforts are successful. A topsoil marker was present. <br />RQvegetation (Rule 4.15): <br />