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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE (continued) <br />The sediment levels in ponds that were discharging could not be seen due to the large amount <br />of suspended sediment in the water. Sediment fill appeared to be minimal in ponds that had <br />water levels far below the point of discharging (the Buzzards, Coyote, and West and Middle <br />Pyeatts). <br />Sediment markers were found in all but the following five ponds: No Name #2 and #4, Grouse <br />#1, and Oak #1 and #2. The operator had two employees determining sediment levels in those <br />ponds containing the muddiest water. They were using aspin-cast reel with a weight on the end <br />of the line and a 6-inch long float a few feet up from the weight. After each cast, the float was <br />repositioned until finally on a cast the float would stand upright in the water indicating the weight <br />was just off the bottom of the pond. Knowing the depth to the bottom, the operator can estimate <br />the amount of sediment in the pond. The Division commends this innovative approach and <br />quick response to determining which ponds need cleaning. <br />Pond discharge volumes from the rain on 9/18/97 - 9/19/97 are not a compliance issue because <br />the 2.2 inches of precipitation during that period exceeded the 25-year, 24-hour event. <br />The operator is prioritizing pond clean-out work and is scheduling a dragline contractor. Clean- <br />out is expected to begin soon after the weather permits. The Division requests that the operator <br />prepare and submit to the Division a written repair plan and schedule describing the repairs to <br />be made to ponds, ditches, reclaimed channels, etc. <br />Springs <br />Wapiti Spring was flowing 10 gpm of clear water. <br />EXPLOSIVES AND SUPPORT FACILITIES <br />No problems were found in any of the following areas: the explosives and anfo storage areas, <br />the boneyard (where barrels of oil and used oil are kept), the industrial yard, or office facilities. <br />TOPSOIL <br />All topsoil stockpiles were well-vegetated and did not appear eroded. Markers were in place. <br />FISH AND WILDLIFE <br />There was a large number of antelope, deer, and elk on Trapper, especially in the reclaimed <br />west half of the permit area. A golden eagle was spotted on a fence post in Coyote drainage. <br />SLIDES AND DAMAGE <br />No new slides were found. The reclaimed, A-pit scraper slide showed no evidence of <br />movement. The markers (steel stakes) were in alignment. There was no flow from the french <br />drain. <br />SMALL AREA EXEMPTION <br />The silt fence on SAE 7 is functioning but needs sediment cleaned from behind it and the fabric <br />needs to be reattached to the posts. <br />Page 7 <br />