_INSPECTION - C1982056 ‎(58)‎

• Permit No: C1982056
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 9/8/2008
• Email Name: KAG
• 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.
This was a partial inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of
Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division). The Foidel Creek mine is an active underground
mine. Ground conditions were dry and the weather was seasonal and mild. The inspection
began at the mine office with Jerry Nettleton of Twentymile Coal Company. We discussed
the recent mine water inflow issues that the mine has been dealing with during the last few
weeks.
Roads
The road to the 6MN facility in Twentymile Park was travelled its entire distance. The 61VIN
facility is located at the end of this road. Other facilities, including the NW mains ventilation
fan and the 10RT dewatering location are located along this road, minimizing the amount of
total disturbance for these necessary facilities. The road surface is well maintained with
minimal rutting due to significant rains that occurred in the last month.
Hydrologic Balance
The mine has been dealing
with an unanticipated rise
in water levels within the
sealed areas of the mine
that resulted in a backup of
water against the seals
along the mains. This
situation caused a
suspension of mining
activities and evacuation of
miners for a number of
days in late August and
early September.
However, at the time of the
inspection, the mine had
resumed operations
following seal re-
enforcement and
strengthening.
Initially, to address the mine water issue, the plan was to discharge up to 400 gallons per
minute (gpm) at the Fish Creek borehole in addition to setting a new pump in the Fish Creek
ventilation shaft with a modular treatment facility to treat and discharge an additional 500
gpm. Water would also be directed to Pitt and pond D through the existing CDPS permit
outfall and finally, water would be directed from the 10RT dewatering well via overland pipe
(shown above) to Foidel Creek through a temporary discharge permit recently approved and
issued by the Water Quality Control Division.
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