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September 23, 2015 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine RDZ <br />The eastern portion of the upland diversion ditch above the RDA was inspected. Some rocks had fallen <br />into this ditch. Mr. Massarotti was already aware of this, and NECC has plans to clean it as part of their regular <br />maintenance program. Sumps that receive runoff from the un -reclaimed (upper) portion of the RDA need to be <br />cleaned also. <br />The west -side ditch draining the RDA to Pond 8 was in stable condition, and did not appear to have received <br />significant sediment loads in the recent past. <br />The following ponds were inspected: 001A, 004A, 005, 006, 007, and 08. Several were holding significant <br />volumes of water, but none of them were discharging except Pond 8; there appears to be a minor leak in the <br />primary spillway of Pond 8, which is an MSHA-designated pond. At this time, the Division does not consider this <br />very small leak a compliance issue. <br />Other observations regarding the ponds: <br />Pond 001A has not received water from the underground workings for a significant time. <br />The flume below Pond 001A is not functional; there is a flow meter on the outlet pipe. <br />Pond 004A is full of vegetation and the spillway gate is closed. <br />Pond 005 is not marked on Map 14. This map should be updated by NECC. <br />In Pond 007 significant sediment can be seen. The water level was approximately 5 feet below the green stripe on <br />the staff gage. <br />There was no sign of erosion below culvert C41. No problems were seen at C30. The culvert by the entrance road <br />(under Highway 12) appears to be located incorrectly on Map 13. No problems were identified with the ditches <br />and culverts near the fan (south of Pond 006). <br />Mr. Massarotti indicated that several ditches require maintenance (e.g., D2, D12), and this work will be performed <br />in fall of 2015. He also indicated that D32 will be cleaned, although it does not appear to be in immediate need of <br />this action. <br />The SAE next to the Development Coal Waste Pile was inspected, and no erosion, bare areas, or large weed <br />patches were seen. Below the large SAE that is across the highway from Pond 08, the sediment Best Management <br />Practices (silt fence and straw bales) appear to be functioning and do not require maintenance at this time. The <br />rock in the channel below these BMPs is stable. <br />PROCESSING WASTE/COAL MINE WASTE PILES — Rule 4.10 and 4.11 <br />Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: <br />Material has been hauled recently to the RDA. This includes material from ditch cleaning operations. <br />Per Vince Massarotti, material is placed on the RDA in one -foot lifts, and compaction is done with a sheepsfoot <br />roller. A water truck is used as necessary. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 2 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Page 3 of 12 <br />