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LLC <br />FOURTH QUARTER 2005 <br />ENGINEERING INSPECTION <br />EAST YARD, WEST VALLEY FII.L AND II WEST <br />COAL MINE WASTE DISPOSAL PII.ES <br />The approved Oxbow Mining, LLC (OMLLC) Mine permit includes a requirement for quarterly inspections of <br />coal mine waste piles for stability. The inspection is to be performed by a registered engineer or other qualified <br />professional specialist, who is experienced in the construction of earth and r"ockfill embanlanents. On <br />December 28, 2005 visual inspections were performed of the East Yazd, West Valley Fill and II West coal mine <br />waste disposal areas. <br />EAST YARD -The East Yard disposal azea 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 mix <br />in the Fall of 2002. Additional supplemental hydromulch and seed was applied on October 21, 2003. The <br />seeded slope was inspected for signs of erosion or instability and initial vegetation establishment. No erosional <br />features were noted requiring repairs to seeded areas. Additional topsoil substitute material has been placed on <br />the top of the pile working from east to west. Approximately 90% of the top has been covered in accordance <br />with the plan. Nothing was observed during the inspection that would indicate the pile has a potential for <br />stmctural failure. Safety berms continue to be required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration on the <br />downhill edge of the access ramp. <br />WEST VALLEY FII.L -The West Valley Fill had received some additional waste material (410 cy) during the <br />fourth quarter of 2005 at the approximate 6215 elevation. Compaction tests are required, as necessary, based <br />upon the amount of material added to the waste area. Three (3) compaction tests were conducted on December <br />22, 2005 and demonstrated compliance with the design requirements. A copy of the final test report is <br />attached. <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 for <br />signs of erosion and initial establishment of seeded species. No erosional features were noted requiring repairs <br />to any seeded areas. The third bench (approximate 6200 elevation) setback is established in preparation for the <br />final lift of waste material. The ramp constructed on the waste pile to provide access to the II West Coal Refuse <br />Facility light use road and haul road continues to be utilized. No springs or seeps were noted. Surface drainage <br />control features are performing according to the plan. Nothing was observed during the inspection that would <br />indicate the West Valley Fill 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, light use road and haul road use. <br />r <br />Inspected by James . Kiger <br />... _...... J _ / <br />Thomas C. Anderson ~~~ ~ <br />Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer No. 14726 <br />3737 Hwy 133 P.O. Box 535 Somerset, Colorado 81434 USA <br />TEL (970) 929-5122 FAX (970) 929-5177 <br />