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Processing Waste <br />As noted in the previous aerial inspection, both the east and west Downdrains at <br />the RDA experienced some movement of the riprap lining due to an intense storm <br />event, likely on July 22. All damage was confined to the downdrain channels and <br />flows stayed confined to the channels prior to entering the pond. Some <br />sedimentation occurred on terrace benches due to sheet flow from outslopes. This <br />material should be cleaned from the benches to establish positive drainage to the <br />downdrains. No evidence of flow over the outslope from the refuse surface was <br />noted. The 100-year diversion ditch appeared to function well but will also need <br />some cleanout due to siltation from above. <br />Downdrain repair materials (filter materials and riprap) are stockpiled on the <br />refuse pile surface and available for repairing damaged sections of the downdrain <br />channels. Due to the large area of exposed refuse on the pile surface, the <br />operator may want to consider water handling measures on the pile surface to slow <br />the delivery of water to the Downdrains until the pile surface is covered and <br />reclaimed. <br />Support Facilities <br />The hoist wheel at the West Mine remains a short distance east of the hoist house <br />foundation. A short piece of mobile conveyor has been removed from its location <br />on the refuse pile surface and is no longer located on the mine site. Mr. Thompson <br />indicated that the batch weigh loadout system has been sold but at this time it <br />remains intact east of the coal silos. No further demolition of the West Mine <br />warehouse has occurred since the last inspection. <br />Revegetation <br />Canada thistle was observed in small patches in and around pond 4. The operator <br />may want to consider fall spraying of this noxious weed. The recently reclaimed <br />portions of the development waste pile and coal stockpile ~~4 are beginning to show <br />signs of alive vegetative cover that includes seeded species, annual weeds and a <br />barley cover crop. This cover crop likely came in with the mulch and provides <br />some protection from intense rainfall. Due to periodic rainfall, the formerly <br />reseeded areas at this site appear to be progressing toward successful <br />revegetation establishment. <br />Overall, the site appeared in good condition for the summer season. Maintenance <br />of drainage control ditches should be the primary focus of future work at this <br />site, <br />4 <br />