INSPEC07925

• Permit No: C1991078
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 1/26/2005
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made
during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection
and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This partial inspection of the Hamilton Coal Mine was conducted by DMG staff from the Durango Field
Office, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, CO 81301, phone [phone]. The operator
has commenced final reclamation. No activities were observed; no individuals were contacted during
this inspection. Eight (8) photos accompany this report. Notice of Violation CV-2005-001, addressing
the breached embankment for Pond B, is issued with this report.
Mine identification sign and permit boundary markers were posted. Soils conditions ranged from moist
to muddy due to seasonal snow melt. Snow cover existed only in sun-shaded areas. Evidence of
livestock was observed throughout the permit area. Apparently, cattle had recently been removed or
moved through the permit area, however, no livestock were observed within the permit boundary
during the inspection. Evidence of wildlife was abundant; approximately 45 Mule deer and 3 Mallard
ducks were observed within the permit area. Mine access roads were well maintained.
Pond A was holding water. Although the elevation of the impounded water was sufficient to enter the
primary spillway, no discharge through the primary spillway was noted. Drawing 117A indicates that
the primary spillway is a 4-inch pipe with valve to control discharge. The rock and geotextile lining for
the open channel emergency spillway was intact and well maintained. No evidence of discharge
through the emergency spillway was observed. Pond embankment appeared stable, no evidence of
slumping, settling or erosion was observed.
Settling and erosion of material along the primary spillway had breached the embankment for Pond B.
Drawing 1176 indicates that the primary spillway for Pond B is a 4-inch pipe with valve to control
discharge. The primary spillway pipe was not found during the inspection. Settling of material for the
upstream side of the embankment resulted in a zone of collapse approximately 8 feet wide and 3 feet
deep, which extended from the toe of slope up to the crest and half way across the crest of the
embankment. Settling of material for the downstream side of the embankment resulted in a zone of
collapse and erosion approximately 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep, which extended from the toe of slope
up to the crest of the embankment. The approximate 10-foot portion of the crest of the embahkment,
which appeared intact, had been undermined by erosion. Seepage was observed from the toe of
slope for the downstream side of the embankment at the breach.
The breached embankment for Pond B constitutes a violation of Rule 4.05.9(6), which requires that all
impoundment embankments, foundations and abutments shall be stable during all phases of
construction and operation, and Rule 4.05.6(2). Therefore, Notice of Violation CV-2005-001 has been
issued for the breached embankment for Pond B.
No other problems or violations were observed during the inspection.