_INSPECTION - C1981022 (42) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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. Topsoil • The topsoil stockpile at Substation No. 3 is well vegetated and stable with respect to erosion. The toe of the pile, where it abuts the sediment pond, is buttressed (intentionally or not) with a series of large boulders. The northern side of the stockpile-was still snow-covered. • The stockpile at the upper end of the Elk Creek facilities was snow-covered. Fish & Wildlife Fresh elk tracks were plentiful at Substation No. 3. • A small group of mule deer was seen on the western slope above the II West Valley Fill. Excess Spoil 8, Development Waste • The outer slope of the II West Valley Fill, topsoiled and seeded in the fall of 2008, appeared to have remained stable throughout the winter. • On top of the II West fill, where development waste is currently being dumped, a large puddle had formed at the back side of the pad. The operator indicated that the situation would be remedied immediately. Bear Creek Fansite • The access road was extremely muddy due to the recent rainfall and the associated thawing of frost from the ground (Figure 4). Two bulldozers were working the road, to keep it passable. • Survey stakes were spaced at intervals alongside the road, marking the locations of power poles to be installed. • Construction activities were ongoing at the Bear Creek Fansite Facility. The Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) had been placed (Figure 5), with backfill nearing completion. A grizzly was on-site, screening the coarse rock from native material to create suitable backfill. • Placement of the fan shaft collar had also begun. Additional segments will be added vertically, until the collar extends up to the level of the road (final elevation of the Fansite bench). • Bear Creek was running at a trickle. The coffer dam upstream of the Fansite was still in place, with the flow being routed through a black HDPE pipe inside the RCP. • A track hoe was clearing brush from the slope above the Fansite, and removing topsoil for placement in the stockpile. • Straw bales and wattles were located along the slope above Bear Creek, below the construction activities (Figure 6). The field portion of the inspection was concluded at 15:00 hours. Elk Creek Mine C-1981-022 26-Feb-2009 -2-