_INSPECTION - C1981008 ‎(36)‎

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 2/24/2009
• Email Name: MLT
• 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 of the New Horizon Mine conducted by Marcia Talvitie of the
Colorado DRMS on 24 February 2009. Ross Gubka represented the operator, Western Fuels -
Colorado, and was present throughout the entire inspection. The inspection began at 14:15 at
the Mine Office with a brief discussion of the TR-57 and SL-11 permitting activities, which are
nearing completion. Weather for the field inspection was clear, warm, and breezy.
Blasting
Drilling and blasting operations are occurring nearer the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan.
The shot completed earlier in the day measured just 636 feet from the house. Because of the
close proximity, WFC is using quad decking to lessen the potential impacts of the blasts.
Buried Irrigation Pipeline
WFC is preparing to apply for Phase III bond release on some of the eastern parcels. Once the
necessary rates of production have been achieved, the company will no longer be responsible
for irrigation of these lands. The pump WFC has historically used to supply water to the sideroll
sprinklers will be eliminated, leaving gravity as the only means of delivering irrigation water from
the CCC Ditch Lateral to the reclaimed parcels. WFC has investigated the possibility of installing
a 12" buried pipeline, with separate risers for each landowner's use. Indications are that such a
line is feasible, but easements may be required from the owners of the parcels that the pipeline
will cross. To date, none of the potentially affected landowners has been willing to grant such
an easement.
Hydrologic Balance
Water from within the active mine area continues to be pumped to Pond 011, and to be stored
for use in dust control within the permit area.
Backfill & Grading
The Lloyd parcel was the site of Backfill and overburden placement operations. Redistribution of
topsoil on this property has not yet begun.
Topsoil
Topsoil removal, in advance of pit operations, has progressed onto the WFC (formerly Johnson)
parcel north of BB Road.
We discussed the Pond 011 topsoil piles. The pond was excavated prior to the February 2008
discussions regarding prime farmland topsoil handling practices. According to the as-built
drawing for Pond 011 [Permit Attachment 2.05.3(3)-101, Material was extracted to a depth of 10'
to 12' below the original ground surface. This material is currently in two stockpiles, marked "B"
and "A". "B" includes some rocks and boulders, while "A" appears to consist of fine, friable soil.
With respect to reclamation of Pond 011, a reasonable approach may be for WFC to evaluate
the composition of the two stockpiles and how they compare with the newer Prime Farmland
topsoil handling guidelines.
General Mine Plan Compliance
The shovel was free-digging overburden at the northern end of the pit. Operations appeared to
be in compliance with the mine plan.
New Horizon Mine C-1981-008 24-Feb-2009