_INSPECTION - C1981041 ‎(46)‎

• Permit No: C1981041
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 6/10/2008
• Email Name: DTM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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 partial inspection of portions of the mine site, conducted by Dan Mathews of the DRMS Grand
Junction Field Office. There was no operator contact present. Areas inspected included the North Portal Area,
disturbed areas along Coal Creek, and the South Portal Area and RSRDA waste disposal area.
The South Portal reclamation project has been largely completed. The seeding contractor(WD Yards)was on-
site on 3/19, hydro-seeding and hydro-mulching the Access Road 1A fill slopes and Sediment Pond 8 areas.
Weather during the inspection was clear and warm. There had been precipitation at the site last week, but
surface soils were dry at the time of the inspection, as were the sediment ponds that were observed.
Roads
New Access Road 1A appeared to be in good condition, including travel surface, drainage ditches and culverts.
The slopes above and below the road, which were roughened and seeded earlier this year appeared to be
stable, with no slumps, rills, or gullies. Seeded vegetation has recently germinated on the seeded areas. It is
too early in the growing season to assess success of the seeding. Seedling densities and diversity are variable,
with the best growth at present near the south end of the reclaimed road slopes. Seedling density appears to be
lowest and least diverse(mostly sparse greasewood at present)along the northern portion of the road outslope.
Soils in this area appear to exhibit possible effects of high sodium content(surface film from dispersive effect),
which may limit plant establishment.
Hydrologic Balance
Drainage and sediment control structures appeared to be properly maintained and functional in the areas
observed, including North Portal Area, South Portals, and Coal Creek corridor area. Sediment Ponds 8, 9, 6, 10,
11, and 13, and the CBA-1 sump were all dry. Perimeter berms and the SAE silt fence at the North Portal area
were in good condition.
There was no evidence of leakage in the vicinity of the recently plugged and backfilled 001 discharge pipe in the
backfilled South Portals area. There was a trickle of flow out of the culvert below Access Road 1A, originating
from the buried French Drain.
Backfilling and Grading
The various backfilled and graded areas were walked, and in general slopes appeared to be stable, with no
excessive erosion, slumping, or other indications of instability.
Backfilled slopes associated with the South Portals reclamation project appeared stable, with no indication of
slumps or erosion.
Processing Waste
The RSRDA waste disposal site was walked, and no problems were noted. There were no indications of
instability or excessive erosion. Diversions, perimeter ditches, and terrace drains appeared to be properly
maintained and functional.
Revegetation/Reclamation Success
Backfill slopes and road slopes in the South Portal area were seeded in February and March, and seedling
vegetation has recently emerged. The backfilled highwall looks very promising, with high density of
various seeded shrubs and grasses. Seedling density and diversity on slopes associated with new Access
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