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March 16, 2015 C- 1981- 012/New Elk Mine LDS <br />EXCESS SPOIL and DEVELOPMENT WASTE — Rule 4.09 <br />Placement; Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization: <br />The two permanent development waste piles (DWP and DWDA 2) were inspected and appeared to be <br />stable. DWP was well vegetated, but DWDA 2 showed signs of surface erosion; the ditch separating the pile from <br />the river was in compliance but had accumulated sediment at a rate that indicates maintenance will be required <br />again shortly in order to avoid the chance of a breach. TR70 is expected to be issued on Monday March 23, and <br />will allow for development waste to be transported to the RDA by haul truck or by conveyor. The Division <br />strongly supports the transportation of waste from DWDA 2 to the RDA. If NECC elects not to proceed <br />with this project, DWDA 2 should be reclaimed as soon as possible. <br />Temporary development waste piles at the soil storage area and on the clean coal pad were as before, each <br />will be transported onto the RDA pending the issuance of TR70. <br />HYDROLOGIC BALANCE - Rule 4.05 <br />Drainage Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5, 4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; <br />Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; <br />Drainage — Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; Impoundments 4.05.6, 4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: <br />No ponds were discharging, but all were holding water. All ponds appeared to be in good condition. <br />No problems were observed at any of the containment areas. <br />The SAES at the injection well and between the river and the highway were inspected with no problems <br />noted. <br />Electrical cables had been stretched out along roads around the site so that they could be untangled and <br />then coiled for storage — this was anticipated to be a very temporary measure, so disruption to the surface water <br />flow system should not occur. <br />GENERAL MINE PLAN COMPLIANCE: <br />TR70 is expected to be issued on Monday March 23, 2015. <br />RN6 is in progress. <br />OTHER (SPECIFY): <br />The equipment at the slurry injection well appeared to have been knocked or to have moved, and was not <br />well supported. <br />PROCESSING WASTE /COAL MINE WASTE PILES — Rule 4.10 and 4.11 <br />Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: <br />The piles of refuse had been spread on the RDA and compacted with the haul truck and a dozer. The <br />sheep's foot compactor had not been used and no compaction testing had been done. The surface was sufficiently <br />compact to allow the Chevy Trailblazer to drive over it without any noticeable sinking. No more processing waste <br />is expected to be generated. The wash plant was in the process of being closed up. <br />NECC should plan to carry out compaction testing as material is deposited. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 6 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 <br />Page 3 of 15 <br />