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~ r <br />III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during <br />the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the <br />facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This partial inspection of the Chimney Rock Coal Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson <br />from the DMG Durango office. No activities were observed, no mine personnel were <br />encountered during the time of this inspection. A double cab Chevy pick-up truck, <br />license CO 5071-YU, Komatsu PC300LC excavator, and CAT elevating scraper 615C <br />were parked near the shop building. <br />Mine identification sign and safety signs were posted at mine entrance. Public access is <br />controlled by locked gate. Mine access road was well maintained. Perimeter markers <br />and safety signs were posted along permit boundary. <br />Hydrologic Balance -All sediment ponds and sediment traps had been backfilled and <br />graded to blend with surrounding topography, Lower portions of the sediment <br />containment ditches, conveying disturbed area drainage to the sediment ponds had been <br />backfilled and graded to blend with surrounding topography. Haul road had been ripped <br />and graded. Water bars had been recently constructed on the access road to top of <br />East Pit Area. Affected areas appeared stable, no evidence of slumping, settling, or <br />excessive erosion was observed. <br />South bank of Stollsteimer Creek, along location of low water crossing, was well <br />protected from erosion by large irregular sandstone riprap. Riprap appeared competent <br />and stable, no evidence of channel bank erosion located along riprapped section. <br />Contour furrows on steep reclaimed slopes of the East Pit Area were generally intact. <br />Steep reclaimed slopes showed evidence of minor rill erosion, however, vegetative <br />cover appeared well established and sufficient to control future erosion. <br />Revegetation - Backfill and grading of Pond 003 has eliminated the musk thistle <br />infestation immediately surrounding the pond. However, musk thistle remained well <br />established along the north end, lower slopes, of the East Pit Area, immediately south <br />of Pond 003 location. <br />Numerous rose bushes were thriving throughout the East Pit Area. Reclamation <br />vegetation on irrigated areas was dense and diverse. Side role irrigation equipment was <br />intact in the area of Pond 002 location. <br />