_INSPECTION - C1981022 (40) - Laserfiche WebLink

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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. Topsoil Stockpile The topsoil stockpile at the north end of the Elk Creek Mine facilities bench was completely covered in snow. There were no indications of slope instability or erosional problems. The topsoil signs were up. Facilities There were no railcars at the coal silo area, although an occasional coal haul truck was delivering coal to the Terror Creek Loadout. No fugitive dust problems were observed. No problems were noted with any of the mine buildings and structures. However, the large slide on the west side of the Elk Creek facilities area continues to creep downward. A pool of standing water was observed at the base of the slide. The smaller slide near the rock dust bin appeared to be stable. The storage of mine equipment at the east yard was done in an orderly manner. Everything was in order at the cap and powder houses. Coal Waste Stockpiles No problems were observed at the West Valley Fill. The operator has been placing wet coal waste on top of the West Valley Fill for drying. When dried sufficiently, the coal waste will be permanently placed and compacted at the II-West refuse pile. The outslope of the West Valley Fill appeared to be stable. No signs of slumping or erosional problems were observed. Since the road to the II-West refuse pile was so muddy due to the weather conditions at the time of the inspection, it was decided that it would be prudent not to do an inspection of that refuse pile. The operator stated that the II-West refuse pile is still working on its first bench. Reclamation The backfilled Sanborn Creek Mine portal area did not show any signs of erosional problems, even though there was a sparse vegetative cover. No slumping, cracking or other indications of slope instability in the backfill were observed. The conveyor that transported coal from the Sanborn Creek Mine portals westward to the coal handling facilities at the main mine site was removed some time ago. The corridor bench where the conveyor originally had been installed appeared to be stable and showed no erosional problems. Records Checklist The required mine records were located at the mine office, as documented on the attached records checklist. c:/word/elkcreek/insp0308 2