2016-09-22_INSPECTION - C1981012

• Permit No: C1981012
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 9/22/2016
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DRMS
• To: New Elk Coal Company, LLC
• Inspection Date: 9/14/2016
• Email Name: RAR
• Email Name: DIH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

September 14, 2016 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine RAR

Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 2
Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1

Page 10 of 12

The (RDA) has three reclaimed benches with the upper most bech utilized for drying and compacting
pond and sump cleanings. Diversions route water to Pond 08. DWDA #2 is not reclaimed and a plan
for reclamation would constitute a beneficial undertaking as the pile is open to wind and water erosion.
Diversions for this pile appear to route water to Pond 007A.
o The upper portion of the RDA was graded. The soil was saturated due to recent rains
and a couple minor areas of ponding were present at the time of inspection.
o Piles of excavated material from recent sump, ditch and culvert cleaning awaited
grading.
o No significant areas of erosion were observed on the reclaimed portio of the RDA or in
the side ditches with the exception of:
18. Gully forming at the top of RDA on east side near the belt portal. Discussion on mitigation included
constructing a sump above, berming the area and armoring the gully. This work was thought to be
able to begin by mid October.
o Vegetation on the reclaimed portion of the RDA apeared to provide adequate cover
preventing erosion.
o The (DCWP) is reclaimed and appeared adequately vegetated at time of inspection.
o Sumps were functioning with the exception of:
19. The east sump on the RDA required cleaning.

COAL MINE WASTE BANKS - 4.10
Water Control Measures 4.10.3
o Waste banks appeared stable and included
appropriate sediment control measures. No
erosion was observed at time of inspection, with
the exception of:

20. Coaly slope within stream buffer area north of
Pond 6 (photo at left). This material should be
removed and disposed of in the RDA to prevent
movement into the stream buffer zone.

Photo 13: Coaly slope.

BACKFILLING AND GRADING - 4.14
Regrading and Stabilizing Rills and Gullies 4.14.6
Overall reclaimed areas appeared adequately vegetated and stable with the exception of maintenance item 1.

REVEGETATION - Rule 4.15
Vegetative Cover; Timing:Reclamation
o The vegetative cover on sediment Pond slopes at the time of observation appeared adequate.
o Reclaimed areas appeared stable with a good mix of desirable species with the exception of
some areas of cheat grass (Bromus tectorum).

AIR RESOURCE PROTECTION - Rule 4.17