Laserfiche WebLink
February 11, 2025 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine AMG <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 6 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 13 <br /> <br />• On October 14, 2024 the Division held an Informal Public Hearing where the decision to uphold the <br />Cessation Order was issued on October 14, 2024. <br />• On September 30, 2024, the Division issued a Show Cause Order. The Operator and any interested parties <br />had until October 30, 2024 to show cause as to why the permit should not be suspended or revoked. As of <br />the date of this February 2025 inspection report, the Division has not received any justification <br />documentation from the Operator or otherwise. <br />EXCESS SPOIL and DEVELOPMENT WASTE – Rule 4.09 <br />Placement; Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization: <br />• The ditch along the west side of DWDA #1 (D3) was clear of obstructions and the berm appeared to be <br />stable and functional. No apparent structural issues were observed. <br />• The sediment basin at the east end of DWDA #2 held water at the time of the inspection (Photo 1). The <br />berm around the basin appeared to be stable. The check dams along the north side of the sediment basin <br />have filled with sediment (Photo 2). The Operator shall clean the check dams of sediment and ensure <br />that the sediment control structures are functioning appropriately. <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 />• Ditch D12 along the north east side of DWDA #2 needs to be cleaned, as the sediment from the full check <br />dams that feed into the ditch has begun to spread across the road (Photo 3). <br />• Ditch D2 on the northeast side of Pond 004 was dry during the inspection (Photo 4). <br />• Culvert C13 was free of obstructions. However, the vegetation in-front of C13 should be cleared before <br />next spring. <br />• The the silt fence on the eastern border of the S.A.E. on the top of the hill (south side of the permit) <br />still needs to be repaired (Photo 5). <br />• Containment area #5 contained some water and was below capacity (Photo 6). <br />• Pond 001A held some water at the time of the inspection and was not discharging. No tears were observed <br />in the lining at the time of the inspection (Photo 7). <br />• Pond 004A contained a small amount of water located within the southeast corner (Photo 8). The banks <br />appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. <br />• Pond 006A contained some water at the time of the inspection (Photo 9). The banks of the pond appeared <br />to be stable. <br />• Pond 007A contained some water at the time of the inspection (Photo 10). The emergency spillway was <br />free of obstructions (Photo 11) and the embankment appeared to be stable. <br />• The silt fences along the road leading to Pond 007A, within the S.A.E., are damaged (Photo 12). The <br />Operator shall clear the silt fences of vegetation/debris and repair and/or replace the fences. <br />• Pond 08 contained some water at the time of the inspection and was below its capacity (Photo 13). The <br />spillways appeared clear, and the banks were stable. Pond 08 was not discharging.