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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 of the Seneca II Mine conducted on June 28, 2004 by Mike Boulay <br />of the DMG. Roy Karo of Seneca Coal Company (SCC) was present during the entire <br />inspection. Weather conditions were cloudy and warm. Ground conditions were dry throughout <br />the majority of the site. There was no activity at the mine site during the inspection, <br />Hvdroloeic Balance <br />As noted in the previous inspection (conducted May 26, 2004) spring runoff caused significant <br />erosion and the formation of several gullies on the south-facing slope at the lower end of the <br />former East Wadge pit and final dozer pit locations. The gullies were repaired and the eroded <br />areas were roughened and broadcast seeded prior to the May inspection. The uppermost azea of <br />erosion above Post Mine Channel PM-8 receives a substantial amount of runoff, and it appears <br />that armoring will be necessary at this location to protect the azea from future erosion and to <br />adequately convey runoff to PM-8. It was also noted that one of the repaired gullies located <br />above and to the west of PM-8 has been graded into a v-shaped channel and seeded. Based on <br />this inspection and subsequent discussions with SCC personnel, the Division is recommending <br />that two additional post mine channels as described above be incorporated into the Backfill and <br />Grading Schedule, Exhibit 13-2. Also please update the permit document with design <br />information for these additional channels. A third azea of concern is the diversion ditch that has <br />been constructed above the shrub establishment/elk fence. If this channel is intended to be a <br />permanent post mine feature, then likewise the permit document should be updated accordingly. <br />The upper end of PM-8 will require some repair work and placement of additional riprap. Some <br />of the riprap has washed out and the liner is showing through in places. A portion of the channel <br />in the upper reaches has roughened with a backhoe and the original configuration of the channel <br />has been lost. Several rills have formed pazallel to channel PM-8. Please repair the erosion at <br />this location and complete the necessary repairs to PM-8. <br />Reve eg tation <br />The shrub establishment area located within the elk fence was inspected. It was evident that <br />shrubs and other vegetafion were better established within the elk fence as opposed to outside of <br />the fence. Shrubs inside the fence were healthier and larger. Serviceberry, Choke cherry, Woods <br />rose, and scrub oak all showed signs of being grazed outside of the fence. Yellow sweetclover <br />was flourishing inside the fenced area as opposed to outside of the fence, where the sweetclover <br />was heavily grazed. <br />