_INSPECTION - C1981019 ‎(40)‎

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 4/16/2008
• Email Name: JRS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Colowyo C-1981-019
16 April 2008 _
Pg 5/5
Topsoil (cont.) - Anson (who constructed the West Taylor and Section 28 Ponds) was
not working at the time of the inspection due to unsafe conditions caused by the
melting snow. See the "Roads" section above for more details.
General Mine Plan Compliance: - The 101 dragline is on the East Pit highwall
performing reclamation (although it was not actively working at the time of the
inspection.
- The 102 dragline was in the West Pit removing overburden on the B-Seam.
- The 103 dragline was walking to the B-Seam in the West Pit.
- The 114 shovel operation was working in the TR-65 area.
- The 115 excavator was also working in the TR-65 area.
Fish and Wildlife: - There was a lot less deer and elk activity on the mine site at the
time of the inspection. There was a small herd of antelope on the old East Pit
reclamation by the substation.
Revegetation and Reclamation Success: - The old East Pit reclamation looked like it
was in very good shape. Some of the grasses were starting to "green-up".
- The area of the East Pit in the Prospect drainage that was topsoiled and seeded last
fall generally held up through the spring runoff season. There did appear to be some
germination as we walked the reclaimed area. The one issue that was seen on the
reclamation was fairly extensive rilling of the newly topsoiled area. The rills were all
fairly small, approximately 1-2 inches in width and depth, but they were covering the
entire area of the reclamation. This is what has caused the Prospect Pond to be filled
with sediment again. It is the opinion of the Division that this rilling is a direct result of
the lack of surface roughening on the reclamation. Surface roughening was used in
the past with great success at the Colowyo Mine but the practice has been stopped
over the last few years. The Division is currently reviewing Technical Revision 72, a
new reclamation plan, and will address the need for a formal commitment to begin
surface roughening practices following topsoil replacement again.
Excess Spoil: - The reclaimed portions of the West Pit fill were all well vegetated and
appeared to be stable at the time of the inspection. There did not appear to be any
erosional problems on the fill at the time of the inspection.
- The Streeter fill was well vegetated and appeared to be stable at the time of the
inspection. No erosional problems were noted on the fill. This pile has gone through
a Phase II bond release.
- The Section 16 fill was inaccessible at the time of the inspection (and will probably
remain so until May).
- Due to the Anson project road being closed for safety reasons, the East Taylor Fill
area was inaccessible at the time of the inspection.
Overall, the operations and reclamation at the Colowyo Mine are being conducted
in accordance with the approved plans contained within the PAP. The operation is
doing a good job ensuring compliance with all of the Rules.
it