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~1~ , l l 1111./rfi~%FV ~~IJ `~ / ~ ~, r~ lJ i ///~~`UUU///1~~~ <br />d ~ ~ 1 ~l~i ~. ~ ~9 ^ <br />F~'~CEui/ED <br />THII2D QUARTER 2002 ~ V' ~ 5 20U2 <br />ENGINEERING INSPECTION <br />EAST YARD AND WEST VALLEY FII'~ivisi°n p^'1;azralsand Ge°I°gy <br />GOB DISPOSAL PILES <br />The approved Oxbow Mining, LLC Mine permit document includes a requirement for quarterly <br />inspections of coal mine waste piles for stability. The inspection is to be performed by a registered <br />engineer or other qualified professional specialist, who is experienced in the construction of earth <br />and rockfill embanlnnents. <br />On September 20, 2002, a visual inspection was performed of the East Yard and West Valley Fill <br />gob disposal areas. The East Yard gob disposal area has reached its design capacity, and no new <br />gob material has been placed since June of 2001. The East Yard pile is currently being covered <br />with a topsoil substitute cap, ranging from four to eight feet thick. During the quarter, the <br />approximate lower 25 % of the slope was rough graded. Nothing was observed during the <br />inspection that would indicate the pile has a potential for failure. Safety berms are required on the <br />downhill edge of the pile by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. <br />The West Valley Fill has received gob material during the third quarter. Compaction tests were <br />performed on 8/26/02 and 9/16/02. Gob material has consistently passed compaction tests. <br />Compaction tests are required, as necessary, based on the amount ofmaterial added to the waste <br />area. Compaction tests are planned as material is added to the waste azea. <br />The portion of the outslope located between the second bench (approximate 6150 elevation) and the <br />present approximate 6170 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. Nothing was observed during the inspection <br />that would indicate the pile has a potential for failure. <br />G1M-cn ~ <br />spected by James A. 'ger <br />~ ~_ <br /> <br />3737 Hwy 133 P,O. Box 535 Somerset, Colorado 81434 USA <br />TEL (970) 929-5122 FAX (970) 929-5177 <br />Colorado Registered Professional Engineer No. 14726 <br />