2019-02-15_REPORT - C1981044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As a result of a due diligence effort associated with a potential asset transfer, the decision was made to evaluate and clean-up a historic dump site that is within the Permit Area but is not associated with the current permitted mining and related activities. The MCM staff, in cooperation with NorWest Corporation consultants, completed site reconnaissance surveys and materials sampling and analyses for the dump area in late summer 2015, and then developed and implemented plans to clean-up and dispose of trash, debris, and other materials in the dump area, 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. The site demolition activities continued during 2017 with demolition and removal of the 5A/6 portal structures, the conveyor and related structures from the 5A/6 Portal Area to the Stacking Tube and from the Stacking Tube to the Coal Silo, the Stacking Tube, the coal handling structures, and the de-icing system. The rails, ties and ballast have been removed from the rail spur, and demolition and removal of the bridge deck for the railroad bridge over the Williams Fork River has been completed. An experienced explosive demolition contractor was hired to demolish the Stacking Tube and Coal Silo. Both were shot at the same time, with successful demolition of the Stacking Tube, however the Coal Silo did not completely collapse, and remains standing (although deflected at an angle in the planned direction of fall). The contractor developed a plan to safely complete demolition of the Silo, and the plan was reviewed by an independent third - party engineering firm. The contractor completed demolition of the Silo during early -second quarter 2018, reinforcing steel was removed from the concrete demolition debris for salvage, and the remaining concrete debris was hauled to the 5A/6 Portal area for permanent disposal. Other reclamation activities completed during 2018 include removal of the remaining bridge structure over the Williams Fork River; removal of the railroad scale -house and most of the rail -bed; removal, regrading, and topsoiling of the 3 -cell water treatment pond system; removal of the steel framework and siding from the Shop/Warehouse Building; partial demolition and burial of the coal reclaim tunnel and burial of a portion of the remaining coal fines from the coal stockpile area, with the remainder going to the coal refuse pile; capping of the eastern -most coal refuse pile; partial backfill and regrading of the wastewater treatment ponds; and removal of the powerlines from the pole structures on the east side of State Highway 13. MCM currently anticipates that site demolition work will continue and be completed during 2019, and that subsequent site -grading and other reclamation work will be initiated during 2019 and continue into 2020. 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. The monitoring program was scaled-back during the period of limited activity from 2013 through 2016, and then returned to the full monitoring schedule once active reclamation activities were initiated in late 2016. Ongoing maintenance activities include 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