2015-01-30_REPORT - C1982056 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Key mining and related activities occurring during 2014 included: ➢ Ongoing development and longwall mining operations in the WMD ➢ Ongoing refuse placement activities, reclamation of the completed first bench of the Coal Refuse Disposal Expansion Area, and installation of 3 replacement refuse area piezometers ➢ Continuation of planning and field confirmation activities (water monitoring drillholes and coreholes) for development and mining of the WCR ➢ Permitting and initiation of slope construction and initial development for the WCR (TR13 -83) ➢ Installation of an employee coal loading area near the Mine security gate (MR 14-274) ➢ Modification of the drainage configuration in the Train Loadout Area to address ongoing drainage issues (MR14 -284) ➢ Plugging, sealing, and reclamation of 30 exploration borehole and drill -sites ➢ Several sedimentation ponds were dredged to remove accumulated sediment as part of our ongoing drainage maintenance program ➢ Measuring flumes for Ponds B, D, and F were leveled and reset or replaced ➢ Completed major maintenance and rehabilitation of drainage controls on the north side of the BOB Pile ➢ Several stream gauging stations were repaired or replaced and field surveys were completed to update stream rating curves ➢ In order to address several problem drainage areas, TC coordinated with a new supplier to install and test a new runoff and erosion control product, "Pro- Wattle ", with good initial results ➢ Modification of waste handling procedures and practices for foam -packs to reduce usage and waste ➢ Progressive replacement of fluorescent lights with LED lighting to reduce energy use, and recycling of used "green -tip" fluorescent bulbs ➢ Ongoing coordination efforts with CPW to develop and implement a regional wildlife mitigation framework and plans ➢ Ongoing field studies in support of FERC Preliminary Application Document and Study Plans for Trout Creek Reservoir Project ➢ Continuing coordination with Historic Routt County and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps on restoration of Foidel Canyon School All remaining surface structures and facilities at the Fish Creek Tipple were demolished during summer 2011, with the majority of the steel demolition debris being salvaged. Limited rough grading was also completed to stabilize the site and control surface runoff. Final grading, soil replacement, and revegetation seeding of the reclaimed areas were completed in early- summer 2012. Heavy spring rains resulted in erosion and damage to certain drainage structures and reclaimed areas. These areas were repaired and reseeded, and "Pro- Wattle" was installed in selected areas to enhance long -term stability and prevent potential future erosion. Under the extensive confirmation drilling program for the WCR, 30 coreholes were completed during 2014. Each corehole was plugged, sealed, and the associated drill -site and access road (where applicable) were reclaimed on completion of drilling and logging. During 2014, TC contracted with ResourceLogic to complete temporary stabilization or supplemental reclamation seeding of a total of approximately 55 acres in the following areas. A summary of areas seeded and the approved seed mixes used, along with copies of the seed tags are attached: • Fish Creek Tipple Area (erosion repair) and Middle Creek Soil Stockpile Area • 18 -Right Soil Stockpiles and road margins • 6MN Sedimentation Pond Slope Repair • North side of old Refuse Pile (erosion repair) and reclaimed outslope area • 16 -Left Road Shoulders • Train Loadout buffer zone • 2014 drill pads and roads (30) • Miscellaneous Soil Stockpiles • Weed Control Areas