INSPEC44283

• Permit No: C1981023
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: INSPECTION REPORT
• Inspection Date: 6/12/1997
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during
the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the
facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This partial inspection of the Chimney Rock Coal Mine was conducted by Wally Erickson
from the DMG Durango office, 484 Turner Drive, Building F, Suite 101, Durango, CO
81301, phone [phone]. No activities were observed, no mine personnel were
encountered during the time of this inspection. A double cab Chevy pick-up truck,
license #5071-YU, was parked beside the shop building. Shop building was secure, no
one was present.
Mine identification sign and safety signs were posted at mine entrance. Public access is
controlled by locked gate. Mine access road was well maintained. Perimeter markers
and safety signs were posted along permit boundary.
Hydrologic Balance -Sediment Pond 002, located in the SW corner of East Pit Area,
was dry. Pond inlet was lined with rock and appeared stable, no evidence of excessive
erosion. Pond embankment appeared stable. Primary spillway was 18" CMP, inlet and
outlet of CMP were clear of sediment and debris. Evidence of excessive erosion was
not located at discharge point of primary spillway CMP. Secondary spillway was open
channel, riprap lined and stable. Musk thistle and other annuals were well established at
Pond 002.
South bank of Stollsteimer Creek, along location of low water crossing, was well
protected from erosion by large irregular sandstone riprap. Riprap appeared competent
and stable, no evidence of channel bank erosion located along ripraped section.
Sediment Pond 003, located on the east side of the East Pit Area, was dry. Primary
spillway was 12" CMP, inlet and outlet of CMP were clear of sediment and debris.
Discharge location of CMP was rock lined and appeared stable, no evidence of
excessive erosion. Secondary spillway was open channel, riprap lined and stable. Pond
inlet was poorly protected from erosion by decomposing shale and sandstone rocks.
Evidence of minor erosion observed at pond inlet. Musk thistle were well established at
Pond 003.
Contour furrows on steep reclaimed slopes of the East Pit Area were generally intact.
Steep reclaimed slopes showed evidence of minor rill erosion, however, vegetative cover
appeared well established and sufficient to control future erosion.
Revegetation -Musk thistle and other annuals were well established along access road
embankments, located near the shop buildings, and at Ponds 002 and 003. Isolated
stands of musk thistle were also observed on the East Pit Area. Numerous rose bushes
were located on the East Pit Area. Reclamation vegetation on irrigated areas was dense
and diverse.