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November 28, 2018 C-1981-019/Colowyo Coal Mine ZTT <br /> <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />The Collom Temporary Excess Spoil Pile has begun construction with the initiation of Collom Pit box cut. Active <br />construction of the spoil pile was not be conducted at the time of the inspection. <br /> <br />EXPLOSIVES – Rule 4.08 <br />Distance Prohibitions 4.08.4; Warnings 4.08.4; Control of Adverse Effects 4.08.4: <br />Blasting patterns were observed within the South Taylor Pit. <br /> <br />Blasting drill holes were prepared along the remaining length Collom initial boxcut. <br /> <br />No blast occurred during the Division’s inspection. <br /> <br />FISH and WILDLIFE – Rule 4.18: <br />Elk and deer were observed throughout the site during the inspection. <br /> <br />HYDROLOGIC BALANCE - Rule 4.05 <br />Drainage Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5, 4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; <br />Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; <br />Drainage – Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; Impoundments 4.05.6, 4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: <br />The Section 28 Ditch was inspected. Prior to the inspection, Colowyo contacted the Division in regards to the liner <br />that is within the ditch along the lower section and the issues associated with the liner. The Division inspected the <br />length of the Section 28 Ditch as well has the effectiveness of the liner. The liner was originally installed as an <br />additional protective measure to ensure the entirety of surface flow is directed away from the face of a pre -existing <br />slump located below the Mine’s disturbed area associated with the South Taylor Pit and Section 28 Ditch. With <br />snowy and wet conditions, the liner becomes extremely slippery and signs of elk struggling within the liner and <br />puncturing it was evident. With the location of the ditch along the slope of the mountain, high winds have been <br />catching the punctured areas of liner and pulling it away from the ditch. Being pulled away as well as the <br />puncturing from wildlife, water is allowed to flow along the ditch under the liner. It is apparent to the Division that <br />the liner is not working as intended due to factors outside of Colowyo’s control. It is Colowyo’s desire to have the <br />liner removed due to maintenance issues and for wildlife safety. The Division will continue discussions with <br />Colowyo in regards to the Section 28 Ditch and associated liner. <br /> <br />The Final East Pit Ditch and North Trib., East Pit Ditch was inspected. The lower portion of the Final East Pit <br />Ditch was walked to ensure stability along the steeper portion. No issues were observed. Stock Tanks EP1, NTEP1 <br />and PD1 were inspected. Each stock tank held water but was frozen over with no active flow through to ditches. <br /> <br />The West Taylor Pond was inspected from above along the South Taylor in-pit Haul Road. Due to weather and <br />road conditions, access to West Taylor Pond through Taylor Creek wasn’t possible. The pond was stable and held <br />water. <br />