_INSPECTION - C1981038 (42) - 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. This was a partial inspection of the Bowie No. 1 Mine (Permit No. C-1981-008) conducted by Marcia Talvitie and Joe Dudash of the Colorado DRMS on 12-Mar-2008. Basil Bear was contacted at the office, prior to the inspection. No representative of the operator was present during the field inspection. Signs and Markers The gate to the East Mine was open. A Mine ID sign was posted at the entrance. Disturbance markers were observed to be in place along the paved portion of the road. Roads The paved road into the East Mine was clear of snow, although mud had been tracked onto the road uphill of the turnoff to Ponds 1 and 2. The road was passable, but muddy, up to the portal bench (Figure 1). The roads to Ponds 1, 2, 3, and 4 were un-passable by vehicle, muddy due to recent snowmelt. The road to the West Mine had not yet been cleared of snow. Backfill & Grading Reclamation activities were under way at the East Mine. Construction equipment on the site included a sheepsfoot compactor, two track-mounted excavators, a D8R bulldozer, and approximately 4 articulated dump trucks (Figure 2). The trucks were transporting demolition debris (broken concrete, etc.) to the Portal Bech highwall. During the visit, tandem-axle dump tracks were observed hauling material up the hill and dumping their loads against the highwall. The reclamation contractor informed us that the material was being delivered from excavation at the Bowie No. 2 Mine - Hubbard Creek Vent Shaft site. Subsequent to the site investigation, Joe Dudash discussed the topic with the operator, who stated that the haul operation was done with the knowledge and approval of the USFS. An excavator was digging a hole in the uphill end of the West Ridge Waste Pile (Figure 3) which will receive the Coal Mine Waste to be hauled over from the Run of Mine (ROM) pile. According to Basil Bear, the volume of Coal Mine Waste on top of the ROM Pile is approximately 10,000 cubic yards. That material had been cleared of snow, and dozed up into a pile to dry (Figure 4) before being hauled to its final resting place in the West Ridge Waste Pile. General Mine Plan Compliance Reclamation activity had begun only recently at the East Mine. Work to date was in compliance with the Plan. Air Resource Protection Roads and areas of activity were still wet from the recent snowmelt. No air resource issues were observed.