2004-04-09_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981038

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generally re-established on the regraded areas on both sides of East Roatcap Creek. There were no constructed ditches on the regraded areas. There was no upland diversion ditch since the upland undisturbed area was heavily vegetated and, therefore, would not contribute significant runoff. All of the runoff flows into the two sedimentation ponds. On the west side of East Roatcap Creek, the drainage pattern slopes towards the middle of the regraded area. It is in this middle zone where rills, a couple of inches deep, had formed. The site was topsoiled, seeded and mulched in the fall of 2002 and it took time for some areas to establish vegetation. The vegetative cover is enough to prevent major gullying. Slope gradients were measured with an inclinometer during this inspection. Included on page 9 of this findings document, Figure 1 is an inclinometer transect location map and Table 1 shows the results of the measurements. The measured slopes are in compliance with the approved post-mining slopes shown on Sheet 9 of 10 of the Golder Associates report found in Volume 6A of the permit application. No signs of slope failure, such as cracks or slumping, were observed in the regraded area. There were no highwalls left at the site. The original sedimentation pond at the bench site was reclaimed. Runoff from the graded West Mine portal bench area now drains to two new sedimentation ponds connected in series. The two new sedimentation ponds were inspected and found to be incompliance. Both pond embankments were stable, although vegetation has not taken hold yet. The gated primary discharge valve of the upper pond was open while that of the lower pond was closed, as designed. The riprapped emergency spillway outslopes were intact. The inslopes of both ponds were stable but had no vegetative cover yet. There are no ditches or culverts at the West Mine portal bench reclaimed area. All of the culverts were removed and salvaged. The operator has marked the boundary of the upper area proposed for bond release from the lower area with white pvc pipes on poles. During the June 10, 2003 bond release inspection, the DMG suggested that the boundary should be moved upgradient in the northern section so that there will be sufficient room to place the soil that will need to be removed from the East Roatcap Creek area. The operator agreed to this suggestion and moved the boundary markers upgradient and revised the West Mine as-built contour map accordingly. The reclamation of the haul road that leads from the public road to the West Mine portal bench was inspected. The backfilling of this road resulted in a somewhat concave cross-section, which provides a break in the slope. During the Feld inspection, BLM expressed a concern about a scarp on the constructed sheep trail. This scarp is visible from the public road. BRL has agreed to work with the BLM on this issue. No bond release money is involved with this rock scarp issue. WEST MINE -FAN AREA At this site, BRL requested bond release for structural demolition of the vent fan and wood shack superstructures, for removal of two transformers and for the sealing of the vent shaft. Only the 200,000 gallon water tank with its concrete pad remain at this site. The rest of the demolished facilities were removed and salvaged. The concrete footings and slabs were used as fill for the vent shaft. Although outside of this particular bond release, BLM, in their letter dated December 16, 2003, has requested that the water tank and foundation be removed at a later date.