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We made observations at the following: methane de-gas pumping station and intake air fan facility, power substation, original de-gas pumps, pond SG-1 was full of water, undisturbed azea runoff bypass culvert, main topsoil stockpile is stable, mine water finishing pond and the water line to the frock-tank reservoir, the lazge power substation and topsoil storage pile, the reclaimed road-slope failure area was stable, (we discussed Tamarisk management in this area). We next inspected the main facility- portal deck and associated storage aeeas including the explosives storage, trash compactor area, main portal azea, equipment storage areas, water runoff ditches have been recently maintained where necessary, the lower equipment storage and fuel storage area is well maintained, MB-1-main facilities pond was full of water, as was the fresh water pond. Coal stockpile areas were inspected, topsoil stockpiles, sediment pond MB-2R. below the first refuse pile, small pond MB-3 needs to have sediment removal /clean out and we discussed that. We inspected the N. Fork stream buffer zone areas, material yard, and sediment pond. NSSA soil storage area is stable and sediment pond-completely dry. We inspected the coal loadout with no problems noted. We concluded the field inspection on the top of the lower refuse pile being currently used for materials storage. No problems noted here. We discussed the small thermal spot being monitored on the east face of the lower refuse pile in completed reclamation. Mr. Burnell conducted a thorough permitting and required environmental monitoring records at the West Elk Mine offices including the following: DMG Permit, DMG Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance document dated March 10, 2000. Permit term July, 31, 2001 thru July 31, 2006.Liability insurance current thru July 31, 2005, total current surety bond of $ 11. 5 million, with a recent surety rider of $1.5 rriillion dated May 14, 2004. We discussed the 6 month landowner notification provision (6 months prior to underground mining activity beneath surface property owners) of the DMG coal rules. We reviewed the new April 19, 2004, NPDES Permit No. CO-0038776 effective June 1, 2004. NPDES- dischazge monitoring reports were in order and current. We reviewed quarterly inspections /certifications for sediment ponds, water impoundments, and refuse piles and they were current and complete. We discussed the refuse pile(s) compaction requirements. Annual hydrology reports were current, and the 2003 AHR is awaiting finalization of comments from the State Engineer's Office. Required, annual subsidence monitoring and reporting documents & videos was available for inspection. -The records review concluded the inspection; please address any questions on this report to Henry Austin, Senior Reclamation Specialist, at haustin@osmre.QOV or to (303) 844- 1400 x1466.