2001-11-30_INSPECTION - C1981022

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Elk Creek C-1981-022 26 November 2007 __ P9 3/5 rw{~ Processing Waste (cont.): There is approximately 10 vertical feet left on the pile, based on the operator's recent survey and the survey stakes that have been placed in the ground. The operator plans to use the West Valley Fill during the winter months and the II-West refuse pile during the summer months. This will extend the life of the West Valley Fill. The reclaimed outslopes of the pile were all well vegetated and stable. No erosional problems were noted on the outslopes at the time of the inspection. - The II-lnlest refuse pile appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. The pile still has only the beginning of the first lift and, according to the operator, will only be used in the summer until the West Valley Fill is completed (approximately two years). The operator has hauled some of the pond cleaning material to the pile and was actively working the pile at the time of the inspection. The operator appeared to be spreading and moving the refuse to aid in drying so it could be compacted. No water was pooling on the pile and there were no erosional problems on the pile. Support f=acilities: -Both the Sanborn Creek and Elk Creek Mine facilities areas were dry and appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. No erosional or other problems were noted at either of the facilities areas. - The downhill conveyor from the Elk Creek Portals to the coal stockpile was stable and in good condition at the time of the inspection, - The Sanborn Creek Mine fan remains in place along old Highway 133. The pad and the fan area were dry and appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. No erosional problems were noted on the pad at the time of the inspection. - The pad for Substation #3 (along old Highway 133) was dry at the time of the inspection. The pad remains stable and no erosional problems were noted on the pad at the time of the inspection. - The corridor for the Sanborn Creek Mine overland conveyor, which was reclaimed several years ago, remains stable, with no erosional problems noted. Topsoil: -The Elk Creek topsoil pile was well vegetated and appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. No erosional problems were noted. Revegetation/Reclamation Success: -The East Yard refuse pile reclamation remains stable. The vegetation is in good shape and there are no signs of erosional problems on the outslopes of the pile. - The reclaimed slopes of the West Valley Fill are well vegetated and remain stable. No erosional problems were noted on these slopes at the time of the inspection. The 100-year perimeter ditch is also in place on these slopes. The ditch appears to be stable. Air Resource Protection: -There were no problems with fugitive dust on any of the haul roads or from the coal stockpile at the time of the inspection. Off-Site Support Facilities: -The Hubbard Creek fan pad was stable at the time of the inspection. No erosional problems were noted on the fan pad. Jim Kiger (in an a-mail) indicated that there were some mechanical problems with the fan and a crane was mobilized to remove the fan from the housing. This work did not result in any damage to the pad or surrounding areas.