_INSPECTION - C1980004 (14) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. General Comments This was a complete inspection of the McClane Canyon Mine, conducted by Dan Mathews of the DRMS Grand Junction Field Office. I checked in with Mine Manager Gary Isaac at the mine office at the beginning and conclusion of the inspection, but I was not accompanied by an operator representative during the inspection. Weather was cloudy and cool. Ground conditions were dry in most areas. The conveyor was running and there was a small stockpile of product coal in the yard area; trucks were being loaded out during the inspection. There is a large stockpile of high ash coal in the yard area, which operator hopes to be able to blend with better quality coal over time. Siqns and Markers The operator recently modified the permit I.D. sign to reflect the recent name change to McClane Canyon Mining LLC(MCM). Unfortunately, it was noted that the sign erroneously lists the permittee as McClane Canyon Mine LLC, rather than McClane Canyon Mining LLC. The sign needs to be further modified to correct this error. This discrepancy was noted on the AVS Annual Review inspection worksheet that was filled out during the inspection, and discussed with Gary Isaac. Mr. Isaac stated that the necessary correction would be made to the sign promptly. Availability of Records Required records were on file and up to date through the 3rd Quarter, 2007. See the attached Records checklist form. Roads The road ditch maintenance project that was underway during the previous inspection was completed. Riprap was not installed along the steep lower segment just above the sediment pond. Should erosional scour develop along this segment, riprap installation will be warranted. The inlet sump to Culvert"K", the 12" CMP at the lower end of the storage area north of the sediment pond inlet was filled in with sediment to the culvert inlet level. The sump needs to be excavated and sediment placed in the approved sediment drying location. The"in-ditch" sump is full of sediment and needs clean-out. Hydrologic Balance East Salt Creek and McClane Creek were dry at the time of inspection. The sediment pond surface was iced over; level just above the elevation of the gated primary spillway pipe. The pond embankment appeared to be stable, with no indication of seepage, cracking, or slumping. The fan housing structure and riser portion of the adjacent Diversion Culvert"D" had been damaged recently by a rock-fall, involving large sandstone blocks that had separated from the cliffs immediately above. The damage had recently been repaired by the operator and the boulders had been removed. Culvert"D"was open and functional, and a grated steel box inlet protection structure had been installed since the previous inspection. The various collection and diversion culverts and ditches appeared to be properly maintained and functional, with the exception of the diversion ditch that runs behind (south of)the topsoil and Construction dirt stockpiles. The Ditch is partially obstructed in one location by a compacted mass of weeds and soil. The point of blockage is 3