2014-11-10_INSPECTION - C1981019

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November 5, 2014 C-1981-019/Colowyo Coal Mine RDZ No erosion was seen in the area near the Final East Pit Ditch. Also, the recently graded and topsoiled slopes in this area exhibit excellent roughening to limit erosion. REVEGETATION Rule 4.15 Vegetative Cover; Timing: Seeding was being performed with a dozer and rangeland drill in the East Pit reclamation area, namely the south side of the Final East Pit Ditch. Per Kurt Blunt this operation was nearly complete for 2014. SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF MINING Rules 4.22 through 4.27: In the West Pit the highwall mining operation has ceased, and holes have been blocked with soil. The highwall mining operation in South Taylor Pit was producing coal. TOPSOIL Rule 4.06 Removal 4.06.2; Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4); Storage and Protection 4.06.3; Redistribution 4.06.4: Topsoil depths were checked in the East Pit reclamation area (north side of Final East Pit ditch); this material was recently spread. The topsoil at the four holes that were dug appears to meet the specifications in Section 2.05.4 of the PAP for the Colowyo Mine. On the flatter slopes, the two measured depths were approximately six inches. On the steeper slopes the two measured depths were 8-10 inches and 12 inches. The material that was spread in this area came from Topsoil Stockpile 16A. It appears that this is inconsistent with Map 28 of the PAP, which does not show topsoil from 16A being moved to the area adjacent to the Final East Pit Ditch. This inconsistency may warrant a revision to the PAP. Ring ditches will need to be reconstructed in the near future for this topsoil stockpile and others that are currently being used, such as 16D. 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: 4 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 48 Page of