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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE <br />Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the <br />inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or <br />evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This partial inspection of the Hamilton Coal Mine was conducted by DMG staff from the <br />DMG Durango Office, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, CO 81301, phone (970) <br />247-5469. Operator has commenced final reclamation. No activities were observed <br />during the inspection. A strong southwest wind was transporting smoke and ash through <br />the permit area. The wildfire appeared to be located in Dry Creek Basin, southwest of the <br />permit area and beyond Naturita Ridge. Evidence of the wildfire crossing Naturita Ridge <br />or spotting to the northeast side of the ridge and towards the permit area, were not <br />observed during the inspection. <br />Signs and markers were posted. Access roads were well maintained. Roadside drainage <br />ditches and culverts appeared clear and functional. Soil conditions were dry. Evidence <br />of spring growth was minimal. <br />Sediment pond A, located at the far north end of the permit area, was dry. Primary and <br />secondary spillways were clear and functional, no discharge noted. Pond embankment <br />and pond inslopes appeared stable, no evidence of slumping, sliding or excessive <br />erosion was observed. <br />Sediment pond B, located at the northeast corner of the permit area was dry. Primary <br />and secondary spillways appeared to be clear and functional, no discharge noted. <br />Massive pond embankment appeared well vegetated and stable, no evidence of <br />seeping, slumping, sliding, or excessive erosion was observed. Grasses and shrubs on <br />the embankment showed evidence of grazing by livestock. <br />