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~~ <br />:~ , <br />MOUNTAIN COAL COMPANY ~ WEST ELK MINE <br />MOUNTAIN COAL COMPANY <br />WEST ELK MINE <br />P. O. BOX 591 <br />SOMERSET, COLORADO 81434 <br />POST-MINING STRUCTURAL INSPECTION <br />November, 1995 <br />INTRODUCTION <br />Westar, Inc. conducted an additional on-site structural survey of a cabin located at <br />approximately 38°54'17" North Latitude and 107°28'34" East Longitude at an elevation <br />of 7,660 feet ASL. For additional details regarding this structure see the Pre-mining <br />Structural Inspection report, November 1994. Additional structures including a small wood <br />frame structure approx. 14' X 20', and a livestock enclosure have been erected since the <br />pre-mining inspection. <br />EXTERIOR INSPECTION <br />The exterior inspection of the cabin revealed that the finished grade around the perimeter <br />of the foundation is similar to that which existed at the time of the Pre-Mining Inspection. <br />Surface water is not directed away the foundation at all areas. <br />Although subsidence due to mining has occurred, visual inspection of the exterior of the <br />structure revealed no signs of settlement, deflections or distress. The condition of the <br />structure and the surrounding terrain appears to be in the same general condition as the <br />pre-mining inspection. The foundation does not extend below frost line and may be <br />subject to frost heave. <br />INTERIOR INSPECTION <br />Visual inspection of the building interior revealed no signs of excessive settlement, <br />deflections, tension cracks or distress. However, a few small cracks were observed in the <br />perimeter foundation. These cracks are relatively small and could be the result of frost <br />heave, temperature and shrinkage, improper design and reinforcement, and foundation <br />settling. Some relative lateral movement of the foundation and the floor slab was <br />observed and appeared to have been repaired. A visual inspection did not indicate any <br />structural damage. Although some repairs to the gyp board wall covering have been <br />completed since the pre-mining inspection no signs of cracks or deflection were observed <br />which would indicate that little if any differential settlement has occurred. <br />ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES <br />The additional structures consist of a livestock enclosure and a small wood frame <br />structure. The small cabin appeared to be in generally good structural condition with no <br />signs of settlement,, deflection or distress. The foundation for the small cabin is minimal <br />and does not provide protection from frost heave nor does in appear to meet any building <br />code. <br />POST~MINING STRUCTURAL SURVEY <br />