2016-06-15_INSPECTION - C1981012

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June 7, 2016 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine RDZ Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 10 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 Page 7 of 19 downgradient side (C64); fortunately this issue did not cause an illegal discharge to the river. At the Bates Portal, the retaining wall and the slope above it appear to be stable. East of Pond 001A an excavation is still in place. It is six to seven feet deep and could be a hazard to wildlife. This hole should be filled (and the fire hydrant raised) unless there is a compelling reason to leave it as is. Sediment control BMPs at the upper water tanks have been repaired, but more work is needed. The bales may need to be trenched in deeper. Seed should be spread on the eroded hillside. At the lower tank, the construction area needs to be cleaned up to prevent erosion, and the berm needs to be re-built. Near the C&W shop, no oil leaks were seen under or near the stored equipment. There is the possibility that runoff from this area could flow directly to the river, because the berm at the lower end of this area needs to be re - built. SIGNS AND MARKERS – Rule 4.02: The sign at Pond 08 appears to have accurate information, although it refers to the Division as the “Division of Minerals and Geology.” This outdated information should be corrected when convenient. Disturbance boundary markers were found in place at several locations, including the west end of the site near the river and at the SAE near the southwest corner of the site. Stream buffer zone markers were seen in many places, but more should be added in places, including the west end of the site, the area near Containment #2, and the storage area east of the C&W shop. Signs were in place at Topsoil Stockpile #2 and the topsoil stockpile west of Pond 001A. OFFSITE SUPPORT FACILIITES - Rule 4.04, 4.28: At the east end of the Jansen loadout, the barriers are in place. However, signs of thieves were seen at several locations: electrical cables have been cut and apparently removed for the copper. The damaged cables have been left in place by NECC because this is an active crime scene. No erosion was seen at the loadout, but coal residue at both ends of the conveyor system should be removed to avoid transport of this material in runoff.