2015-02-02_REPORT - C1981044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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transport concerns, invasive noxious weeds, and vegetative reestablishment. An old drill -pad near the 9 -P2 Pond which had been reseeded was also inspected and released in 2014. MCM contracted and completed field repair and stabilization of the eroded stream bank in the abutment areas of the railroad bridge over the Williams Fork River during 2011. Minor repair of erosion and rodent holes was also completed for the Pond 5D embankments and the on the Access Road to the Mine No. 5A/6 Portals and water -bars were installed on the old highway between the 7 -North Angle Well and the Mine 5/6 Portals. It was noted that the siphon -tube under the Williams Fork River for the Worthington Ditch was exposed and damaged during the previous year's high spring flows. MCM reviewed options for transmission of flows in this Ditch, however, related repair and maintenance work has been deferred. During 2011 -2012, MCM also completed testing and removal of petroleum products, emulsion fluids, and other chemicals and chemicals wastes from the Shop /Warehouse, Multi - Services Building, and exterior storage tanks, and completed EPA compliant closure of the tanks, all using a licensed waste contractor. In 2014, residual sludge was removed from the gasoline storage tank near the Warehouse and transported off -site for disposal by a licensed contractor. In March 2014, damage to the Multi- Services Building was observed during routine snow - plowing operations. It appeared that someone had accessed the site and stolen copper wiring from the building. The trespass and theft were reported to local law enforcement, who opened an initial investigation. Subsequently, in May 2014, trespassers were encountered on -site during water monitoring activities, local law enforcement authorities were contacted immediately, and the trespassers were apprehended and arrested. The subsequent investigation discovered recent and extensive damage and theft to the Shop /Warehouse Building, the Multi- Services Building, and the upper substation. The trespassers had stripped copper piping and wiring from the buildings and had opened two transformers, allowed the oil to drain -out, and had stripped the transformer windings. The related damage and spills required repairs to the Shop /Warehouse doors in order to secure the building, and removal of the transformer cases and debris and clean -up, testing /profiling, and disposal of the petroleum contaminated soil. MCM has subsequently taken a number of actions to better secure the site, including; placing cement barricades on the west entrance road; removal of several locks from the main gate, and implementation of a limited access program (essentially access only with permission); a call - in/call -out requirement for individuals accessing the site; daily security patrols; and security cameras with a remote feed to our security control room. Ongoing maintenance activities included inspection and clean-out of drainage structures (as needed), and focused weed control activities under our Noxious Weed Management Program. Limited rodent - control activities occurred during 2014. The 2005 -2007 control efforts were effective in significantly reducing the ground squirrel population, and while rodents are still observed on the property, population numbers seem to have stabilized. A joint CDRMS /OSMRE inspection in November 2013 identified several site maintenance items requiring attention. Given snow- cover, and that none of the identified items represented any immediate health, safety, or environmental danger, action on these items was deferred until spring when ground conditions were suitable for required access and equipment operations. In addition, several maintenance items were identified during subsequent CDRMS site inspections. The following specific items were addressed by the 2014 site maintenance activities: • An error in the format for the CDRMS permit number was corrected on 4 mine entrance signs, and three additional signs have been ordered and will be installed during the 2015 field season • Three topsoil signs were replaced • A field reconnaissance of permit boundary markers was completed, some markers were replaced, and MCM's contractor coordinated with Trapper Mining and the CDRMS to clarify the location and type of markers used for common areas along the joint boundary (specifically the Utah Tract) • A drainage collection ditch on the extreme south end of the site had been partially filled -in with soil to facilitate crossing for farm equipment to hay the adjacent areas. The ditch was reestablished. • A 36" culvert beneath the beltline (near lower warehouse) had a significant sediment accumulation. The culvert could not be blown clear, so it was excavated, the clogged sections were separated and cleaned -out, and the culvert was reassembled and reinstalled. • Sediment accumulations were removed from two other culverts. • Several rodent holes along roads and in two topsoil piles were filled in. • Excess vegetation was removed from several pond spillways and from around pond discharge control structures. Vegetation removal for the two remaining ponds in the Williams Fork Strip Pit area will be completed during the 2015 field season.