_INSPECTION - C1981022 (32) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ill. 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 an Aerial Inspection of the Elk Creek Mine conducted by Marcia Talvitie of the Colorado DRMS. The photographs were taken by Harry Ranney of the Division on 19-Nov-2008. The weather was clear and the ground appeared to be dry at the time of the flight. Photos covered the main facilities along Elk Creek and the coal refuse facilities located to the west. Five photos are included, for reference. Roads West Valley, II West, and Elk Creek Haul Roads appear to be well graded and open to traffic. Access Roads to the Mine and above the portal area were clear. In addition, several Light Use Roads were also visible in the photographs: to Pond C, to Pond E, and adjacent to Pond D. All appeared to be in good condition. Hydrologic Balance Pond B and Pond D contained water. It could not be determined if any discharge was occurring. Ponds C and E were dry. Support Facilities Facilities at three separate locations along Elk Creek were photographed: the lower level, adjacent to SH 133; the portal level, and the upper fan bench. Various Materials are stockpiled throughout the area: along the north side of the East Yard area; to the east of the conveyor exiting the portal; on the west side of the Elk Creek Access Road, uphill of the portal; and around the perimeter of the fan bench. To soil Topsoil stockpiles were clearly visible for the Upper Fan Bench and for the II West Coal Refuse Facility. General Mine Plan Compliance Roads, structures, ponds, and other features appear to be consistent with General Facilities maps included in the permit. Air Resource Protection Haul Roads and Access Roads appeared to be moist, and likely had been sprayed with water for control of fugitive emissions. Slides & Damage The outlines of two to three landslides could be observed along the Elk Creek drainage. OMLLC has commented previously that no recent movement has occurred at any of the sites. Excess Spoil & Development Waste The West Valley Coal Refuse Pile has nearly reached its ultimate height; the slope below the II West Haul Road has been reclaimed. The II West Coal Refuse Facility has been completed to the level of the Pond E Light Use Road, and continues to receive additional coal refuse. This completes the Inspection of the Elk Creek Mine for the month of November 2008. Elk Creek Mine C-1981-022 19-Nov-2008