INSPEC45222

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 1/9/2002
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS - COMPl1ANCE
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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 New Horizons Coal Mine was conducted by DMG staff
from the DMG Durango Office, 701 Camino del Rio, Room 125, Durango, CO 81301,
phone [phone]. Ross Gubka accompanied the DMG inspector throughout the
inspection.
Mining and reclamation activities were active. The active pit was oriented in a east-
west direction, advancing northward and approaching the drainage divide for Tuddel
Draw. Topsoil salvage from advancing side of pit was current. Reclamation backfilling,
grading and topsoil replacement appeared current. Affected area drainage was routed
to Pond 7 or treated for sediment by other approved methods prior to discharge.
Affected lands appeared stable, evidence of settling, slumping or uncontrolled erosion
were not observed. Approximately 180 Elk were bedded in the reclaimed area. Bald
Eagle was observed in nearby areas.
Pond 7 was discharging, discharge appeared clear. The operator indicated that Pond 7
discharge is in compliance with WQCD permit. Evidence of the operator employing
aggressive weed control program was observed. Pond inslopes, inlet and outlet
appeared stable, evidence of slumping or excessive erosion were not observed.
Numerous Canada geese and various ducks observed at Pond 7.
Pond 8 was dry, no discharge noted. The operator indicated that as of 1 /8/02, pit
drainage previously routed to Pond 8 has been routed to Pond 7 due to a potential
compliance issue discovered by the operator with Pond 8 discharge. The operator has
notified WQCD of the potential compliance issue and is working with WQCD to identify
and address the issue with WQCD permit. Pand embankment, inslopes, inlet and outlet
appeared stable. DMG inspector observed no compliance problems with DMG
reclamation permit.
A backhoe had been utilized to excavate two test pits in the Pond 9 area. A third test
pit was being excavated during the time of this inspection. Test pits were located in a
low lying area which exhibited internal drainage. The test pits were visually estimated
at 10' deep. Abrupt change in soil texture or color was not observed in either of the
test pits. Soil appeared to be an alluvial deposit with sandy-silt-clay texture which
formed a tight ball when rolled between the hands. Minor water, approximately 1"
depth, had collected in the bottom of the test pits.