Laserfiche WebLink
III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the <br />inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a partial inspection of the Seneca II Mine conducted by Erica Crosby of DMG. Mike <br />Altavilla of Seneca Coal Company was present during the parts of the inspection. Backfilling and <br />grading activity was actively taking place in the Wolf Creek Drainage. The operator stated that <br />some coal was recently removed from the open pits. Weather conditions on site were clear and <br />cool. Ground conditions were muddy. The operator stated that 5 inches have fallen on the site <br />since September 18, 1997. <br />Signs & Markers Mine ID signs were noted at the mine entrance, and all information appeared <br />accurate. Topsoil markers need to be replaced on pile HH that has been excavated for <br />redistribution. <br />Ro s Haul Roads throughout the mine site were generally in good repair especially with all of <br />the recent precipitation. Reclamation on the access road leading into the lower Wolf Creek Pit <br />has been backfilled, graded and topsoiled. The area had also been hand seeded. This road <br />branches off Haul Road F1 at the U-turn. <br />Hydrologic Balance Sediment Pond 004 contained water and was discharging at a rate of 150- <br />170 gpm. The water was clear and spillways were functional. Pond 008 was also discharging <br />at a rate of 150 to 170 gpm. The water was clear, and several fish were seen in the pond. The <br />embankments of both ponds were well vegetated and stable. A stocktank has recently been <br />constructed in the Auger Area E Pit drainage, and is full of water. No discharge was noted. The <br />operator needs to send the as-built certification for this impoundment. <br />Three post mining drainages have been aligned; the Auger Area E drainage, the lower Wolf Creek <br />drainage and the small drainage adjacent to Haul Road F1. The overall location of the drainages <br />are consistant with the post-mining topography map, with the exception of the Wolf Creek Fill <br />drain. The operator has modified the lower portion of the drainage to tie into the Wolf Creek Pit <br />Drainage. The slope of the drainage where the water will be directed is very steep (2h:1 vl. <br />Topsoil has not been placed in this proposed drainage location. The other two drainages (Auger <br />Area E and Wolf Creek) contain topsoil that needs to be removed. The operator is in the process <br />of submitting a technical revision locating and designing all of the post mining drainages to be <br />installed at the Seneca II Mine. The operator should submit this revsion prior to construction. <br />Backfilling & Grading Both the Wadge and Wolf Creek Pits are open, and are on their final cut. <br />The operator stated that coal has recently been removed from the pits. Backfilling and grading <br />was activly taking place in the lower Wolf Creek drainage, above Haul Road F1. Some topsoil <br />has been placed in the lower drainage area. Backfilling and topsoil replacement are complete at <br />the Auger Area E. <br />