INSPEC11386

• Permit No: C1981023
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 7/31/1997
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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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 Chimney Rock Coal Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson
from the DMG Durango office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO
81301, phone [phone]. No activities were observed, no mine personnel were
encountered during the time of this inspection. A double cab Chevy pick-up truck,
Colorado license 5071-YU, was parked beside the shop building, rear window missing.
Elevating scraper, CAT 615C, was parked near the shop building.
Signs & Markers -Mine identification sign and safety signs were posted at mine
entrance. Public access is controlled by locked gate. Perimeter markers and safety
signs were posted along permit boundary. Topsoil sign was posted on topsoil stockpile
located at north end of East Pit Area.
Hydrologic Balance -Hay field surrounding Pond 002 had been recently cut.
Sediment Pond 002 water depth was visually estimated at 6". Pond inlet was rock
lined and stable. Pond embankment was well vegetated and stable. Primary spillway
CMP was clear of sediment and debris, no discharge. Secondary spillway open channel
was rock lined and stable. Sediment containment ditches, conveying disturbed area
drainage to Pond 002, were well maintained.
Riprap lining along south bank of Stollsteimer Creek appeared stable.
Sediment Pond 003 water depth visually estimated at 6". Primary spillway CMP was
clear of sediment and debris, no discharge. Secondary spillway open channel was rock
lined and stable. Shale and sandstone lining at pond inlet is decomposing, evidence of
minor erosion observed at pond inlet. Musk thistle were densely established at Pond
003. Sediment containment ditches, conveying disturbed area drainage to Pond 003,
were well maintained. Rock lining in steep sections of ditches was intact.
Contour furrows on steep reclaimed slopes of the East Pit Area were generally intact.
Reclaimed slopes showed evidence of minor rill erosion, however, vegetative cover
appeared well established and sufficient to control future erosion. Rose bushes and
shrubs were thriving on East Pit Area.
Silt fences on Revision 1 Area were generally intact.
Revegetation -Weed control spraying had recently occurred throughout the East Pit
Area, except for the area immediately surrounding Pond 003. Musk thistle infestation
at Pond 003 was severe. Operator is encouraged to spray during the spring rosette
stage and fall seasons, and consider releasing beetle at Pond 003 area which eats roots
and flower of Musk thistle. Seed head weevil and root weevil will not eradicate Musk
and Canadian thistles but will reduce seed production and limit spread of noxious weed.
Weed spraying may occur without injury to the beetles.