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C <br />this design at the present time unless you insist. <br />Somerset <br />Pond B at the Elk Creek facility is a gated design and was found <br />with the gate closed and the water level below the gate crest. <br />This pond design needs review to ensure that the operator is aware <br />of the proper operation of the gated principle spillway as it <br />relates to pond dewatering. <br />The. mine water discharge pond has three outlet pipes, apparently <br />situated at different elevations. This ponds performance has <br />apparently improved dramatically due to the holding time of mine <br />discharge in underground sumps. This pond design should be <br />reviewed for accuracy with the field condition. <br />Bear Mine <br />The main pond at the facility area was discharging at the time of <br />inspection and was receiving flows from the alluvium of the North <br />Fork river directly via inflows through the bottom of the perimeter <br />inflow ditch. This design should also be reviewed with regard to <br />water levels and principle spillway function. <br />Keenesbura Mine <br />The large pond at this site was half full of water at the time of <br />the inspection. It has yet to be "as-built certified" and it is my <br />understanding that this certification is forthcoming in the very <br />near future. Five inlet areas to this pond are showing varying <br />degrees of erosion due to the immediate grade change from the <br />relatively flat areas of the site to the side slopes of the pond. <br />Topsoil is primarily sand which performs poorly under channelized <br />flow conditions and exacerbates the erosion process at the inlets. <br />The operator is prepared to riprap these inlets, apparently without <br />a filter layer. This was identified as a possible deficiency and <br />it is my understanding that their engineer will be made aware of <br />the need for a filter layer. A large issue is the apparent lack of <br />a permanent drainage plan within the reclamation plan. This is <br />highlighted by the occurring condition of water coursing to the <br />pond along topographic lows and entering the pond at five different <br />inlet areas. This situation was discussed at length with the <br />operator and it was concluded by the operator that no permanent <br />drainage control plan currently exists. This deficiency should <br />probably be addressed fairly quickly, as the operator is actively <br />reclaiming areas without this important part of the reclamation <br />plan. <br />I will attempt to review each design and where I find possible <br />problems I will present those details to you and Tony to determine <br />if any further actions are warranted. Also, if you or Tony have <br />any immediate concerns, I would be happy to discuss them. <br />Overall, I was somewhat surprised at the willingness and co- <br />