_INSPECTION - C1983058 ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1983058
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 2/25/2009
• 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 follow-up inspection related to the termination of jurisdiction for the Twin Pines
mine, permit# C-83-058. The Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division) is in the
process of terminating jurisdiction of this revoked site. As per Division policy and in
accordance with Rule 3.03.3, the Division may terminate jurisdiction upon a written
determination that all requirements of the Rules and the Act have been successfully
completed and a final decision has been made in accordance with the bond release
procedures of Rule 3.03. Specifically, Rule 3.03.2(2) requires a final inspection to evaluate
the reclamation work completed. This inspection fulfills the requirement for a final inspection.
Written findings will be completed and issued at the time of a proposed decision on the
termination process.
The inspection was conducted by Kent Gorham of the Division. This mine site consists of
two separate, reclaimed areas; a coal loadout/tipple area (also referred to as the coal sales
yard) and a portal/refuse pile area, separated geographically by a rocky ridgeline. Both of
the mine areas are located on private land about 2 miles south of the town of Rockvale along
the Oak Creek drainage in Fremont County. Ground conditions on this day were very dry and
the weather was mild for late winter.
During development of the written findings for the termination of jurisdiction process, it was
discovered that a water monitoring well may still be present and require abandonment and
reclamation. This well TPW-1 was believed to be located in a remote area south of the Coal
Sales yard. The purpose of this inspection was to determine the existence of this well.
Hydrologic Balance
The inspection began at the Coal Sales Yard gate. The gate was found closed and locked
as usual. Heading south from the reclaimed area through a pinion-juniper forest led to a
large open meadow. A well casing (shown below) was easily located in the approximate
location of where permit maps indicate well TPW-1 is located. The last known measurement
of this well was in June 1995 and indicated a water level at 144.7 feet below the measuring
point. Due to a malfunction (likely low battery) in the water level meter available, the exact
water level could not be determined. However, through rapid raising and lowering of the
probe, the water level was estimated at between 105-110 feet below the top of the casing.
This is quite different than measurements some 13 years ago but could indicate a slow
recovery of the ground water levels following the cessation of mining. No active coal mining
exists today in the immediate or adjacent area. Two options regarding this well are available.
First, if the landowner wants the well, Rule 4.05.14 allows the transfer of the well to the
landowner is a well permit is obtained from the Office of the State Engineer. If the landowner
does not want the well, the Division has funds available to plug and abandon the well.
3