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May 10, 2017 C-1980-007/West Elk Mine LDS <br /> <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 7 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 10 <br /> <br /> RN-7 was found complete on February 1, 2016. The decision due date has been extended to <br />August 30, 2017. <br />PROCESSING WASTE/COAL MINE WASTE PILES – Rule 4.10 and 4.11 <br />Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: <br /> The wash plant was running at the time of the inspection. It was not possible to access the RPEE as the <br />haul road was blocked at the top by a grader cleaning the ditch. <br /> <br />REVEGETATION – Rule 4.15 <br />Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br /> Several small patches of whitetop (Cardaria draba) were observed on the soil stockpiles in the NSSA. <br />Given its location, adjacent to the highway, and the prevalence of whitetop in the surrounding area it is <br />understandably challenging to control; nevertheless, whitetop is designated as a “List B” species in the Colorado <br />Noxious Weed Act and is required to be either eradicated, contained, or suppressed depending on the local <br />infestations. The CO Department of Agriculture factsheet provides guidance on control strategies: <br />https://www.colorado.gov/agconservation/Factsheets/HoaryCressFactSheet.pdf <br /> <br />SLIDES and DAMAGE - Rule 4.12: <br /> The diversion ditches above the RPEE had been repaired, but could not be inspected. The reclaimed slope <br />of the RPEE had been repaired and was visible from a distance. <br />The rate of movement of the MSB slide was being measured at 1/4” per day. Cracks were visible in the <br />surface that had already slid, which would be expected as the material dries and consolidates, but no new cracks <br />were visible on the surface outside of the berm that had been constructed to protect the area. At the toe of the slide <br />the ditch had been maintained. <br />The problem area between the RPE pond and the RPEE haul road was inspected closely. The damage <br />appeared to be restricted to surface material. The angle of the slope was measured at 48°. The possibility of simply <br />seeding it in place was discussed, with the obvious advantage of that approach being that no equipment would be <br />required to operate on the steep slope. <br /> <br />SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04: <br /> Due to heavy rain the previous day, it was not possible to access the pads and roads in the forest above the <br />main facilities area. <br /> <br />DOCUMENTS RECEIVED <br />N/A <br />OTHER (SPECIFY) <br />N/A <br /> <br />