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~---- <br />,-- <br />SECOND QUARTER 2003 <br />ENGINEERING INSPECTION <br />EAST YARD AND WEST VALLEY FILL <br />COAL MINE WASTE DISPOSAL PILES <br />The approved Oxbow Mining, LLC (OMLLC) Mine permit document includes a requirement for <br />quarterly inspections of coal mine waste piles for stability. The inspection is to be performed by a <br />registered engineer or other qualified professional specialist, who is experienced in the construction <br />of earth and rockfill embankments. <br />On June 25, 2003, a visual inspection was performed of the East Yard and West Valley Fill gob <br />disposal areas. The East Yazd gob disposal area has reached its design capacity, and no new gob <br />material has been placed since June of 2001. The East Yazd pile outslope was seeded with the <br />approved OMLLC seed mix in the Fall of 2003. The seeded slope was inspected for signs of <br />erosion or instability. No erosional features were noted requiring repairs to seeded areas. Initial first <br />yeaz vegetation establishment is proceeding. Nothing was observed during the inspection that <br />would indicate the pile has a potential for structural failure. Safety berms continue to be required <br />by the Mine Safety and Health Administration on the downhill edge of the access ramp. <br />The West Valley Fill has received gob material during the second quarter of 2003. Compaction <br />tests aze required, as necessary, based upon the amount ofmaterial added to the waste area. <br />Compaction tests are planned as material is added to the waste azea. <br />The portion of the outslope located between the second bencfi (approximate 6150 elevation) and the <br />present approximate 6200 elevation of waste material has been graded and covered with at least <br />four feet of suitable, non-toxic and non-combustible soil substitute materials. The second bench has <br />received rough grading with an approximate 2% grade. The third bench (approximate 6200 <br />elevation) setback has been initiated in prepazation for the final lift of waste material. <br />Nothing was observed during the inspection that would indicate the pile has a potential for failure. <br />CGtirc~I ! <br />Inspected by James Kiger <br />~D~ <br />Thomas C. An erson Da e <br />Colorado Registered Professional Engineer No. 14726 <br />3737 Hsvy -133 ~.CG. Box 535 • Somerset, Colorado 81434 USA <br />7c1.. (97^) 929-5122 FAX (,970) 929-5177 <br />