_INSPECTION - C1994082 (65) - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 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. General Comments This was a complete inspection of the Yoast Mine, including office records check and site inspection of portions of the mine site that could be accessed. Office records were checked on the afternoon of March 25, and the field inspection was conducted the morning of March 26. A significant storm system passed through the area the night of the 25th, with flurries (heavy at times)continuing on the 26th. On the morning of the 26 , there was approximately 8 to 10 inches of new snow in the mine vicinity. The combination of new and old snow cover, and soft ground conditions beneath the snow cover in some areas precluded access to much of the reclaimed mine site. Detailed observations were prevented by the solid snow cover, and periodic snow squalls also limited visibility. The operation appeared to be in compliance with applicable regulatory and permit requirements, to the extent that could be determined, given the very limited access and visibility. Inspector was accompanied by Roy Karo, SCC Reclamation Manager. The mine has been largely reclaimed, with remaining tasks to include reclamation of certain road segments, Pond 012 slide remediation and associated topsoiling and revegetation. Availability of Records Records were checked in the mine office and found to be complete and up to date through the 4th quarter 2008. Roads The main entrance road off of Routt County Road 27 was viewed on the late afternoon of March 25, and the road appeared to be impassable due to muddy conditions and deep snow drifts in some locations. The road and other permit area roads have not been maintained through the winter, due to the fact that coal extraction has been discontinued, and pit backfilling operations have been completed. By the morning of March 26, significant fresh snow accumulation covered the entire mine vicinity. Seasonal maintenance of all roads will be warranted as conditions dry out in the coming weeks. Hydroloaic Balance Sediment Ponds 012, 013, and 014 along the west side of the permit area were accessed by foot from the adjacent Sage Creek county road. Pond 012 was full, with a slushy ice cover, and was discharging clear flow. Inflow to the pond appeared to be primarily from springs out of the toe of the Pond 012 slide feature. Pond 013 was iced over and discharging clear flow. Pond 14 embankment and primary spillway discharge point were observed; the pond was not discharging. The pond itself could not be accessed due to thigh deep and deeper snow that was not supportive of the inspector's weight. Photos attached. Slides & Damage The Pond 012 slide area was observed from the Pond 012 embankment. Snow cover prevented detailed observations, but no changes were evident from conditions described in previous inspections. Geotechnical assessment monitoring will continue through the end of 2009 runoff season, following which a slide remediation plan will be prepared, submitted, and implemented upon approval by the Division. On route to the Mine Site, Roy Karo pointed out a slope segment where high creek flow in the past had eroded the road embankment and caused instability, which threatened the county road adjacent to Sage Creek. Mr. Karo said the Routt County Road Department had used a slide stabilization technique called "soil nailing"to stabilize the slope,followed by application of shotcrete. He thought the soil nailing technique might have potential for use in stabilization of the Yoast Pond 012 slide, and smaller slides at the nearby Seneca II-W Mine, also operated by SCC. Photos of the Pond 012 slide vicinity and the stabilized slope along Sage Creek Road (outside of the permit area and not associated with SCC operations)are attached. 3