_INSPECTION - C1981022 (34) - 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 Complete Inspection of the Elk Creek Mine conducted by Marcia Talvitie of the Colorado DRMS on 03 December 2008. Jim Kiger represented the operator, Oxbow Mining LLC, during the inspection. The weather was cold with overcast skies, and the area had received rain and snow the previous night. Permittina Currently active permitting issues include the following: • RN-5- (DRMS is currently reviewing OMLLC"s response to the Division's Adequacy Review • TR-59-USFS Lease for Tract #4-Awaiting official decision from Appeals Board • TR-60-Bear Creek Fansite-OMLLC's response to the PAR has been mailed to DRMS Availability of Records A review of the on-site permit records was conducted. A completed "DRMS Availability of Records" forms is attached to this inspection report. Sians and Markers The annual AVS check was conducted during the inspection. The sign posted at the main entrance to the Elk Creek Mine displays information that is current and accurate. Surface Disturbance markers were observed at the reclaimed Somerset Mine portal area; the Hubbard Creek Fansite; and the II West Coal Refuse Facility. Roads The Bear Creek road was gated and locked at the lower end, near SH 133. Maintenance of the road was being conducted by a crew with road grader, excavator, and D9N dozer. The work was being done in preparation for the future development of the Bear Creek Fansite Facility. Hydrologic Balance The Bear Creek Alluvial Monitoring well, because of its proximity to the Bear Creek Road, has suffered damage on two separate occasions when vehicles have backed into the above-ground casing. OMLLC re-drilled the well once, and has now protected the well by encasing the hole in concrete and placement of a segment of concrete barrier (Figure 1). The ditch on the west side of the mine access road at SH 133 had been recently cleaned, and fresh straw bales had been installed to control flow velocity and contain sediment. Water was impounded in Ponds Al, B and D, but no discharges were occurring. The East Yard pond contained a small puddle in the bottom, apparently the result of the overnight precipitation. Ponds C, E, F and Substation No. 3 were all dry. Explosives Magazines are located below the impoundment for Pond D. Support Facilities The fan shaft at the former Hubbard Creek Fansite has been backfilled, and the ventilation generator and piping dismantled (Figure 2). The substation will ultimately be relocated to the proposed Bear Elk Creek Mine C-1981-022 03-pec-2008