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XBOW Sanborn Creek Mlne THIRD QUARTER 1996 ENGINEERING INSPECTION EAST YARD GOB DISPOSAL PILE The Sanborn Creek Mine approved permit document includes the requirement to inspect the coal mine waste pile for stability quarterly. The inspection is to be performed by a registered engineer or other qualified professional specialist experienced in construction of earth and rockfill embankments. Both Bear Coal Company and the Sanborn Creek Mine have approval to dispose of coal mine waste in the gob pile. On September 4, 1996, I performed a visual inspection of the east yard gob disposal area at the Sanborn Creek Mine. The gob disposal area was dry. Nothing was observed during the inspection that would indicate the pile has a potential for failure. Compaction tests were performed for fourth quarter 1993, second quarter 1994, fourth quarter 1994, second quarter 1995, fourth quarter 1995, and second quarter 1996. Gob material has consistently passed compaction tests. A significant amount of material was placed on the pile during the quarter, resulting from roof falls in the mine, clean-out of sediment ponds, and debris from demolition of part of the shop/warehouse facility. Plans are to resurvey the pile on at least an annual basis for accurate volume reports. The pile was last surveyed during the fourth quarter of 1995. Bear Coal Company did not haul any material to the gob pile during the last year. A failure of the pile would probably not be a hazard to human life. The pile is located above a large flat bench referred t.o as the east yard. The bench is 80' to 100' wide directly below the pile. If the coal mine waste pile failed, it would very likely be contained in the east yard. The overland conveyor and conveyor drive on the bench below the pile might be damaged by a failure of the pile. C o l o r a d o ? i a 3 a U S A TEL (970) 929 51?2 FAX (9701 323-~ ~-- P O B o x 5 3 5 S o m e r s e t