Laserfiche WebLink
III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the ~nspect~on. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the <br />inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of <br />Minerals and Geology. Ron Thompson represented the operator, Picketwire Processing, LLC <br />during the inspection. This former underground mine is permitted to process coal from <br />the nearby Lorencito Coal mine (#C-96-084). Due to economic conditions. the Lorencito <br />Canyon mine has not commenced operations at this time and the New Elk mine remains in <br />temporary cessation until coal is produced. Underground mining ceased at the New Elk <br />mine in the late 1980's and processing of coal from the Golden Eagle mine (#C-81-013) <br />ceased in March of 1996. Activities at the New Elk mine consist mainly of monitoring <br />and maintenance during temporary cessation. The weather was breezy and mild. Ground <br />conditions were dry. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the Tri-state Railyard office located <br />along Highway 12 on the west side of Trinidad. Records were inspected at the site and <br />found in compliance as detailed on the attached checklist. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />All ponds and containments at the site appeared in good condition. Containments No. 1, <br />2, 3, 4 and 5 were dry. Pond 4, pond 5, pond 6, and the main sediment pond, pond 7, <br />were also dry. Spillways at all ponds appeared in good condition. Pond 8 (RDA) held <br />water but the water level was 3-4 feet below the outlet. Dry conditions continue in the <br />region. <br />Sediment control ditches bordering the Purgatoire River appeared in good condition <br />throughout the site. One area immediately south of the small topsail pile located west <br />of the refuse conveyor requires a higher berm or straw bales to treat runoff from this <br />area prior to entering the river. <br />Silt fence and straw bales around the prep plant and refuse conveyor in the vicinity of <br />the river were generally in good condition. One area of silt fence requires re- <br />attachment to avoid sediment entering the river. <br />Processin4 Waste <br />The refuse pile drainage was directed to the side drains appropriately. Side drains <br />appear to be functioning well. There was no evidence of flow over the reclaimed face of <br />the fill. The 100-year diversion ditch was traversed along its entire length and <br />appeared in good condition. The pile appeared stable with no sign of slumps or damage. <br />The small seep on the fourth outslope did not appear to be active and was dry. Netting <br />3 <br />