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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made _- during the inspection. Comments alsc.describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection -- and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. This was a partial inspection of the Yoast Mine conducted on July 18, 2002 by Mike Boulay of the DMG. Lori Smith of Seneca Coal Company (SCC) was present during the inspection. Dan Allen was present during a portion of the inspection in the Yoast South area. Weather conditions were clear and warm. Ground conditions were dry throughout the majority of the site. Coal was not being hauled from the mine at the time of the inspection, and the dragline was down for repairs in the Yoast South area. Backfill and grading operations are underway in the Neck Pit azea and at the eastern end of the Valora Pit. Water trucks were being utilized for dust control purposes on Haul Roads A and B during the inspection. Hydrologic Balance Several culverts require maintenance or replacement to ensure that they function properly and continue to convey the design flow . Culvert YB-6 located beneath the road crossing at Armand Draw is partially plugged with sediment at the outlet. SCC may consider excavating below the Culvert YB-6 outlet and improving the channel at this location, to reduce sediment accumulation in and below the outlet. The inlet to Culvert D-4 is crushed and entirely buried with sediment and should be replaced. SCC has indicated that they will replace Culvert D-4. Culvert YB-1 located south of Pond 010 is completely plugged with sediment on the outlet side. In accordance with Rule 4.03.1(4)(e), culverts shall be constructed to avoid plugging or collapse and erosion at the inlets and outlets. Culverts shall also be designed to promote conveyance of the design flow. Please make the necessary repairs and/or replacement of these culverts. Topsoil Topsoil redistribution is still in progress in the North Pit azea. Topsoil was redistributed on approximately 35 acres in the North Pit azea during the previous month. Topsoil Stockpile Q is located very close to the disturbance boundary in the Yoast South azea. Dan Allen of SCC accompanied the DMG on an inspection of the topsoil stockpile. A GPS unit was utilized to locate the surveyed disturbance boundary line in relation to the edge of the topsoil stockpile. Based on the survey information it was determined that an adequate buffer zone had been maintained azound the south and west sides of the topsoil stockpile. A berm should be constructed azound the topsoil stockpile to protect the resource from erosion and to control runoff from the pile. To ensure compliance, please continue to maintain an adequate buffer zone between disturbed and undisturbed ground at all active mining azeas throughout the mine site.