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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 inspection <br />and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a partial inspection conducted by Joe Dudash of the Colorado DMG. Also present was Jon <br />White of the Colorado Geological Survey. The main focus of this inspection was for Jon White to <br />inspect the recently completed rock catchment berm above the upper bench, and to observe the field <br />conditions for any future rock falls due to subsidence. Representing the operator during this initial part <br />of the inspection was Collin Stewart. Other areas of the main mine site were also inspected. <br />Rockfalls <br />The recently constructed rock catchment berm directly above the upper bench was inspected. The <br />structure was built as designed and should be effective against rockfalls. Jon recommended that survey <br />points be established along the berm to monitor the stability of the berm. If the berm starts to move <br />under its own weight, it can be caught early and fixed. There was one section of the berm where the <br />outside backfilled slope appeared to be rather steep, about 1H:1 V. Jon suggested that the operator be <br />prepared to add more backfill material as a buttress to this, or to any other section, should the berm <br />start to slide. Also, Jon advised that all of the fabric used in the bertrr construction be covered to avoid <br />ultraviolet degradation. <br />The operator was planning on building two more rock catchment berms to protect the ol~ice and <br />warehouse. However, this plan may change because the mine plan may change. The operator stated <br />that the mining in that area might be moved northward, away from the rock cliffs. If moved north <br />enough, the rock cliffs may not lie within the angle of draw and, therefore, would not be affected by <br />subsidence. <br />There is one residential building that is within the projected rock rollout zone in the area south of the <br />western mining district. The operator is planning on designing a rock catchment berm specifically for <br />that one structure. When that design is submitted, the Division and Jon White will review it. The <br />building site was visited. The residences that are outside of the rockfall rollout zone do not appear to <br />be in any danger of damage from rockfalls due to subsidence. <br />Mine Site <br />Work continues on the preparation plant and the_associated structures. The operator is finished <br />constructing the,new stacker tube and the access ramp and bench area have been regraded. The <br />operator is still working on the new reclaim tunnel and the rest of the preparation plant superstructure. <br />The waste rock loading bin is finished. There were no sediment problems or fugitive dust along the <br />state highway and at the unit train loadout, where a filled unit train was standing.. <br />The operator has begun to clean out the west side of Pond B. The cleanings are being brought to the <br />gob pile. There was no standing water on top of the gob pile. The top of the pile had positive drainage. <br />The gob pile haul road was in very good condition, as was the main paved haul road. <br />c:/word/bowie2/insp0404 <br />