2017-01-31_REPORT - C1981044 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

and to stabilize effected access and clean-up areas. A contractor established access into the dump area and removed old vehicles, metal, rubber, and other debris, and removed several partially full barrels or drums to a lined pit in a staging area. The materials and debris were transported off-site to salvage or licensed landfill facilities, and liquids were collected and disposed of by licensed disposal contractor. Once the clean-up was completed, disturbed areas were regraded and stabilized, erosion control materials (wattles) were placed to minimize runoff and control sediment, and the disturbed areas were reseeded. A Minor Revision (MR15-54), providing documentation of the clean-up activities in the PAP was submitted and approved by the CDRMS. Late in 2016, MCM's contractor initiated limited site demolition activities, dismantling the conveyor and related structures in the 5A/6 Portal Area. The conveyor equipment and structures were staged on-site and subsequently loaded and transported to Peabody's Sage Creek property for long-term storage and potential future re -use. It is anticipated that the limited site -demolition and subsequent reclamation activities will resume in 2017. Monitoring and Maintenance During 2006, the frequency of surface and ground water monitoring was increased to provide updated hydrologic information, in the event that Peabody Energy (MCM's parent company) decided to pursue further exploration and feasibility evaluations for the Williams Fork property, and the more intensive hydrologic monitoring continued during 2007 -through 2012. 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 2015. 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, and were completed during the 2014 field season. in addition, several maintenance items were identified during subsequent CDRMS site inspections. The following specific items were addressed by the 2016 site maintenance activities: • An error in the format for the CDRMS permit number was corrected on 4 mine entrance signs, and three additional signs were ordered and installed • Sediment accumulations were removed fi-om several ditches and 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 in 2014. Vegetation removal for the two remaining ponds in the Williams Fork Strip Pit area was completed during the 2015 field season. Spot and area spraying efforts were expanded for noxious weeds in 2011-2012 to address an increase in weed occurrences due to climatic factors, and several areas where weed infestations had been identified and treated before, as well as any new infestations were sprayed during 2013-2016. Spraying was completed by Peabody Environmental Staff, and Reclamation Personnel. Primary targeted weed species included Russian knapweed, hoary cress (white -top), Canadian thistle, and hound's -tongue. Selective herbicide applications utilized Milestone, Metcel VMF, Weedone LV6, and Activator 90. Spot spraying was conducted from June through August, and covered a total of approximately 60 acres, with additional control efforts as described in the following section under an agricultural use agreement (lease). Areas treated included, but were not limited to: - Roadsides (main entry road, roads on the plateau area north and west of the road leading to the 7 -North Angle Well, and portions of the main entry roads in both the east and west mine facilities areas) - Refuse Pile area - No. 9 Mine Shop area - Areas in and surrounding the west Mine Facilities area (i.e. Water Treatment Ponds, Office/Warehouse, Bathhouse, Coal Handling Facilities, Railroad Spur, Wastewater Treatment areas, and yard areas)