2018-06-05_INSPECTION - C1981019

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 6/5/2018
• Doc Name: OSM Inspection Report
• From: OSM
• To: DRMS
• Inspection Date: 5/23/2018
• Email Name: ZTT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Mine Site Inspection
Mine Name: Colowyo Mine
Permittee: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
Permit ID#: C-1981-019
Inspection Date: May 23, 2018 9:00 3:00
Inspection Type: Partial Phase I Bond Release (SL -13)
Weather Conditions: Warm (70's), dry ground, building clouds and light afternoon rain
Participants:
Angela Aalbers, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State)
Christine Beika, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) #182
Kurt Blunt, Tri-State
Zach Trujillo, Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS)
The Colowyo Mine is an active, producing, surface coal mine. The permit area is located approximately
28 miles south of Craig, Colorado. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. requested
Phase I bond release for 103.1 acres under its SL -13 application. Land surface and mineral estates are a
combination of federal, state, and private ownership. The subject areas are within the West Pit, East Pit,
South Taylor Pit, and areas adjacent to the Collom and Gossard Loadout facilities. All nominated areas
were backfilled and regraded in 2016 and 2017. Topsoil has been spread and seeded on most but not all
parcels (this is not a requirement for Phase I bond release).
The phased bond release process is outlined at Colorado Rule 3.03.1(2). At Phase 1, up to 60 percent of
the bond may be released for an area when the permittee successfully completes backfilling, regrading,
and drainage control in accordance with the approved reclamation plan.
Reclamation Success:
The firebreak cut west of the West Taylor Tributary Ditch is stable and vegetation is establishing well
throughout the area. This 1.4 -acre area (denoted as "ST005" in the bond release application) was not
excavated for mining purposes; vegetation was cleared to prevent the spread of wildfire. This parcel does
not present any concerns regarding Phase I responsibilities of backfilling, grading, and establishing
drainage control.
The former location of the Meeker Topsoil Stockpile and associated road (EP060) have been graded,
topsoiled, and seeded. Vegetation is just beginning to emerge for the spring. This 4.6 -acre parcel was not
excavated for coal removal. The stockpile has been removed and the road reclaimed. The current surface
topography closely approximates the pre -mine condition and blends well with surrounding topography.
The West Pit 97 -acre parcel (WP024) has been backilled, regraded, and partially topsoiled and seeded.
Tri-State intends to spread topsoil and seed the remaining area this fall (not a requirement for Phase 1
bond release). Two large permanent drainage channels divide the parcel. These channels are not proposed
for release; however, they do provide drainage control for the regraded area as required for Phase I. Piles
of large rocks placed at various locations throughout the parcel provide small animal habitat and raptor
perches. Vegetation is establishing on the topsoiled and seeded portion of this block. All areas are
currently stable with no signs of erosion and blend well with surrounding topography.
The 0.5 -acre emergency road (WP022) cut to repair a broken power pole is stable and well -vegetated.
This area was not excavated for coal removal. Topsoil has been replaced and the surface topography
matches the pre -mine configuration.
Page I l