2017-07-17_INSPECTION - C1980007

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July 7, 2017 C-1980-007/West Elk Mine LDS Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 Page 3 of 11 There was no activity on the RPEE. The surface had been graded, and a small temporary channel cut, so as to ensure positive drainage. The project to construct the swale at the entrance to the pile had been postponed to next year. REVEGETATION – Rule 4.15 Vegetative Cover; Timing: Re-seeded areas on the reclaimed slope of the RPEE were continuing to green up, but were only inspected from a distance. Weed spraying was on-going. Contractors (Pest Away Spraying) should continue to treat the disturbed areas along road shoulders in the high country above the mine facilities, where small weed infestations can quickly become established. Along the road to the E7-2, -3, and -4 pads, for example, there are several spots where stands of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) were thriving. SLIDES and DAMAGE - Rule 4.12: The small slide on the outslope of the Material Storage Bench had not yet been repaired, but appeared to have stabilized. The ditch below the slide had been kept clear, and the road damage was clearly marked. SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04: Pads E7-2 through -7 were inspected. All were at some stage of construction, with groundwork being carried out by Beavers Construction Co. and drilling by RACS, LLC. In general the pads appeared well constructed, with topsoil stockpiled, seeded, mulched and signed. Straw wattles were used at the base of the topsoil piles to protect the pad surface from run-off. Straw bales were used to treat run-off from the pad surface. Mud pits were fenced and marked. The working surface of the pads were clean and compact, which should help to keep the area clean and usable during wetter weather. Specifically:  Two holes had been drilled on E7-02, and the pad was being used as a staging area for drill equipment. The mud pit had not yet been filled. It was intended that Beavers would take care of the mud pits after all pads had been constructed.  The drill rig was on E7-03. At the time of the inspection the drillers were pulling out the drill pipe, and were ready to install the 7 inch steel casing. RACS were operating the drill rig on 2 x 12 hour shifts, with each of the three man crews supplied by a fourth man  E7-04 needed a straw wattle. It should be the next pad to receive the drill rig.  E7-05 needed a straw wattle at the base of the topsoil stockpile, to have the straw bales staked, and to have some more seed spread on ancilliary soil piles at the pad and along the spur road. RACS were expected to move the drill rig to the pad around July 20.  E7-06 was complete and is scheduled to be drilled after -05.  E7-07 was still under construction.