INSPEC45364 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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 was a partial inspection of the Bowie No. 2 Mine conducted by Sandy Brown from DMG. It was clear crisp day. Bill Bear accompanied me on the inspection. Construction of the upland conveyor has started. The primary purpose of the inspection was to observe the sediment control system as it relates to the Deer Trail Ditch and Fire Mountain Canal. A representative of Terror Creek Loadout contacted the Division on October 4, 2004 regarding a meeting they had with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Subsequently, Bob Major from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBOR) contacted the Division on October 5, 2004. Mr. Major had several questions about the sediment pond designs and the discharge points. The BOR has an ownership interest in the Fire Mountain Canal and they were concerned that the pond discharge, particularly from Pond F, was flowing into the canal. There was no discharge from Pond F, D, C or B during this inspection. Water levels were high in Ponds B and C. Pond F had very little water. The discharge valves for Ponds B, C & D were closed. Pond F is pumped as necessary. All ponds discharge into the Deer Trail ditch. Bill Bear showed me the water system along the Deer Trail ditch and Fire Mountain Canal. The two ditches parallel each other below the mine site. Water in the Deer Trail ditch is diverted from Hubbard Creek east of the mine. The mine pumps water out of the ditch for use in their operations. Excess water continues flowing through the ditch. The Deer Trail ditch narrows somewhat below the point where Ponds C&D would discharge into the ditch and there was some overflow from the Deer Trail ditch into the adjoining field. Other than this spot, no overflow or seepage from the Deer Trail ditch was observed. There are three locations where the Deer Trail ditch crosses the Fire Mountain Canal through a series of pipes. At one point, water can be diverted either across or into the Fire Mountain Canal. Water was being routed into the Fire Mountain Canal from the Deer Trail ditch at this point to provide water for a neighbor. According to Mr. Bear, this arrangement has been agreed to by Fire Mountain Canal. There is also an animal hole that could allow water from the Deer Trail ditch to enter the Fire Mountain Canal. The hole has been blocked. No problems or off-site impacts were evident during this inspection. The system is operating as approved. Mr. Bear said BRLLC has met with Mr. Majors. BRLLC is considering some possible changes to alleviate concerns the USBOR has and they may propose some revisions in the future. Joe Dudash is also planning to meet Bob Major on-site later this month.