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places but is beginning to degrade and due to the vegetation established is no longer necessary. Some thistle was noted on the outslope and most were cut as encountered. General Mine Plan Compliance The mine remains in temporary cessation awaiting coal from the Lorencito Canyon mine. The Lorencito permit was issued November 7, 1997. In accordance with Rule 2.01.5(2)(a), a permit shall expire three years from the date of issuance if surface coal mining and reclamation operations have not commenced. The Lorencito permit remains active at this time. It appears likely that the New Elk site will be reclaimed in the near future. Mr. Thompson and I visited all undisturbed drainages that intersect the site from the south. Many of these will require some reconstruction to allow drainage to pass through the site to the river. Presently they are diverted through clean water diversions. The retention of the road through the West mine area will in part determine where drainages are required to be located Fish and Wildlife Beavers continue to establish homes on the Purgatoire River as it bisects the site. Ron Thompson and I discussed the removal of the large, man-made drop structure built in the river channel. This structure was part of the water diversion system for the mine. The purpose of the structure is to back up water, similar to a dam. This structure is clearly visible on aerial photos taken in October of 1980. Removal of the system may require a 404 permit since work in the river channel itself will be necessary. Removal will result in headcutting for some distance upstream without some mitigation measures. The drop of the riverbed presently in this location is approximately 10-12 feet over about 40 feet horizontally. Subsidence The small subsidence collapse above culvert C24 at the West mine area has been repaired since the last inspection. No further settlement was observed. 4