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III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations <br />made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during <br />the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division <br />of Minerals and Geology. Ron Thompson of Peak Project Management represented the <br />operator, Picketwire Processing. LLC during the inspection. This former <br />underground mine is permitted to process coal from the nearby Lorencito Coal mine <br />(#C-96-084). Due to economic conditions, the Lorencito Canyon mine has not <br />commenced operations at this time and the New Elk mine remains in temporary <br />cessation until coal is produced. Underground mining ceased at the New Elk mine <br />in the late 1980's and processing of coal from the Golden Eagle mine (#C-81-013) <br />ceased in March of 1996. Activities at the New Elk mine consist mainly of <br />monitoring and maintenance during temporary cessation. The weather was cool and <br />overcast. Ground conditions were variable but access was generally good. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the Tri-state Railyard office <br />located along Highway 12 on the west side of Trinidad. Records were inspected at <br />the office and found in compliance as detailed on page 2a of this report. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />All ponds and containments at the site appeared in good condition. Containments <br />No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were dry. Pond 4, pond 5, pond 6. and the main sediment <br />pond. pond 7, were also dry or held a small puddle of water. Spillways at all <br />ponds appeared in good condition. Pond 8 (RDA) held water but the water level was <br />3-4 feet below the outlet. Some recent sedimentation has caused the re- <br />development of sediment deltas in pond 8. <br />Ditches and culverts around the site appear to be functioning as designed. No <br />evidence of uncontrolled runoff was noted. <br />Processing Waste <br />The refuse pile drainage was directed to the side drains appropriately. Side <br />drains appear to be functioning well. There was no evidence of flow over the <br />reclaimed face of the fill. The pile appeared stable with no sign of slumps or <br />damage. The small seep on the fourth outslope did not appear to be active and was <br />dry. Vegetation on the fourth bench outslope is doing very well and appeared <br />diverse and healthy. No rills or gullies were noted on this slope. The erosion <br />control netting has nearly completely degraded. <br />3 <br />