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( • /~~ <br />XR W ~awvl 1 \~ <br />„....w.,~w :..... ., _ . _~+r~...wrx~..+.tw'FIR$T r?UARTER 2005 - -~ <br />ENGINEERING INSPECTION <br />EAST YARD, WEST VALLEY FII.L AND II WEST <br />COAL MINE WASTE DISPOSAL PILES <br />The approved Oxbow Mining, LLC (OMLLC) Mine permit includes a requirement for quarterly inspections <br />of coal mine waste piles for stability. The inspection is to be performed by a registered engineer or other <br />qualified professional specialist, who is experienced in the construction of earth and rockfil] embankments. <br />On March 29, 2005 visual inspections were performed of the East Yard, West Valley Fill and II West coal <br />mine waste disposal areas. <br />EAST YARD -The East Yard disposal area has reached its design capacity, and no new waste material has <br />been placed since June of 2001. The East Yard pile outslope was seeded with the approved OMLLC seed <br />mix in the Fall of 2002. Additional supplemental hydromulch and seed was applied on October 21, 2003. <br />The seeded slope was inspected for signs of erosion or instability and initial vegetation establishment. No <br />erosional features were noted requiring repairs to seeded areas. Additional topsoil substitute material was <br />placed on the top of the pile working from east to west. Approximately 75% of the top has been covered in <br />accordance with the plan. Nothing was observed during the inspection that would indicate the pile has a <br />potential for structural failure. Safety berms continue to be required by the Mine Safety and Health <br />Administration on the downhill edge of the access ramp. <br />WEST VALLEY FII.L -The West Valley Fill has received some additional waste material during the <br />Fourth quarter of 2004. Compaction tests are required, as necessary, based upon the amount of material <br />added to the waste area. Compaction tests are planned as material is added to the waste area. <br />The outslope located between the second bench (approximate 6150 elevation) and the present approximate <br />6200 elevation of waste material and seeded with the approved seedmix on October 21, 2003 was inspected <br />for signs of erosion and initial establishment of seeded species. No erosional features were noted requiring <br />repairs to any seeded areas. The third bench (approximate 6200 elevation) setback has been initiated in <br />preparation for the final lift of waste material. The ramp constructed on the west limit of the waste pile to <br />provide access to the II West Coal Refuse Facility light use road and haul road construction continues to be <br />utilized and developed. No springs or seeps were noted. Surface drainage control features are performing <br />according to the plan. Nothing was observed during the inspection that would indicate the West Valley Fi11 <br />has a potential for structural failure. <br />II WEST -No coal mine waste material has been hauled to II West. The status of the area remains as initial <br />construction with initial topsoil removal activities and light use road and haul road construction. <br />by Jame <br />Thomas C. Anderson ~ ~ Date <br />Colorado Registered Professional Engineer No. 14726 <br />ieL ~5'/u~ >C)-bi~1 rtiX ~~~/~~ v~y ~iil <br />