INSPEC24531

• Permit No: C1992080
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 8/7/2000
• Doc Name: COAL INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 7/28/2000
• 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 Carbon Junction Coal Mine was conducted by DMG staff
from the Durango Office, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, CO 81301, phone
[phone]. Mine representative was not located on site. No mining and/or
reclamation activities were observed for the coal permit areas. Evidence of recent
progress towards reclamation or maintenance of the site was not observed.
Mine identification sign was posted at the mine entrance. Permit boundary signs were
posted. Mine entrance gate was open. Both sediment ponds, Ponds 1 & 2, were dry.
Primary spillways were clear and stable, no discharge noted. Open channel secondary
spillways were well vegetated and stable, no evidence of discharge. Vegetative cover
for the pond embankments were well established, evidence of embankment instability
was not observed.
Rock Fill Area Topsoil redistribution occurred over approximately 4.5 acres area prior
to cessation of topsoil redistribution activities during late summer or early fall 1999.
Evidence of seeding of reclamation vegetation was not observed for the portions of the
rock fill area where topsoil redistribution has occurred. Vegetative cover was weedy
and included several varieties of regulated noxious weeds.
Topsoil Stockpile #2 Located adjacent to and west of the rock fill area,
approximately 2.7 acres area for topsoil stockpile #2. Approximately 2 acres of the
stockpile area were re-disturbed during the topsoil redistribution activities of the
summer 1999 season. Evidence of any attempt to re-grade the topsoil remaining in the
stockpile to provide stable slopes necessary to promote a protective vegetative cover,
or seeding of an appropriate vegetative cover, was not observed. Vegetative cover for
the disturbed portions of the stockpile was sparse and weedy, and included several
varieties of regulated noxious weeds.
NOTE: In the inspection report generated from the 6/30/00 inspection, DMG
identified weed infestation and absence of an appropriate vegetative cover as two
issues of concern for portions of the rock fill area where topsoil replacement has
occurred, and the topsoil stockpile #2, partially disturbed by topsoil replacement
activities. In the 6/30/00 inspection report, DMG encouraged the operator to: 1)
employ appropriate weed control methods for areas infested by noxious weeds; 21
regrade the partially disturbed topsoil stockpile to a stable slope configuration
necessary to promote revegetation of the remaining stockpiled topsoil; 3) seed the
topsoil stockpile and ensure prompt establishment of a protective vegetative cover for
the topsoil remaining in the stockpile; and 41 seed and plant areas where topsoil
redistribution has occurred, in accordance with permit conditions and the Act and
Rules.