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:~ <br />Mr. Luke Danielson <br />July 29, 1994 <br />Page 2 <br />relevant part, "the report [sediment pond self inspection report] shall be retained at or near <br />the mine site and a copy of the report promptly submitted to the Division on a quarterly or <br />annual basis, as required by the Division..." Rule 4.05.9(13) states in relevant part, "A <br />copy of the report [impoundment quarterly self inspection report] shall be submitted to the <br />Division on an annual basis..." Cleazly, the operator has the option to submit these <br />reports on an annual basis, which Sun Coal would prefer [o do, and has done so in the <br />past. Within the remedial actions of the NOV, these reports are required on a quarterly <br />basis, which is within the Division's ability to require for sediment ponds, but clearly <br />above and beyond the regulatory authorization for impoundments. <br />Third, Sun Coal employs a contract individual, familiar with the site, and the sediment <br />ponds and impoundments to conduct the self inspections. This individual is not a <br />registered professional engineer but has conducted the inspections for many years. This <br />fact has not concerned the Division until the issuance of the NOV. <br />Fourth, the NOV cites the NW sediment trap [incorrectly identified as the NW <br />impoundment in the NOV] as one of the structures that is required to be inspected. The <br />NW sediment trap was a sediment control measure approved by the Division under Rule <br />4.05.5(2) in 1986. This structure was not required to be inspected in the same manner as <br />sediment ponds and impoundments. In fact, the separate NOV issued relating to this <br />structure was vacated because of this fact, yet it remains in this NOV. Application to this <br />structure is, at best, retrofitting an interpretation of the regulations, to this previously <br />complying structure. <br />Sun Coal believes that we will prevail in our contention before the Mined Land <br />Reclamation Boazd that this NOV was issued in error. The lack of acknowledgment of <br />compliance with the approved permit, the lack of historical concern by the Division, and <br />the lack of cooperation with respect to enforcement of the State program in light of OSM <br />pressure demonstrate flaws with respect to this violation. The combination of flaws <br />described above, Sun Coal believes, should be more than sufficient justification for <br />vacation of this notice of violation. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. <br />We appreciate the opportunity to discuss this enforcement action with you, and look <br />forward to a fair resolution. <br />Sincere <br />Bryan J. Archer <br />Mine Manager <br />cc: Mr. Michael Long, Director <br />Mr. Michael Savage, Savage and Savage, Inc. <br />