2009-04-16_REPORT - C1981044 (2)

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Demolition included breaking-up floor slabs and demolishing foundations and any utilities to three feet below ground level. Demolition debris from these facilities was broken down during demolition, then loaded and hauled to the solid waste disposal excavation, where it was placed and compacted. Any excavations created during facility demolition were backfilled, facilities disturbance areas were graded to blend with the surrounding terrain and reestablish effective drainage, stockpiled soil materials were redistributed evenly over the regraded areas, and areas were reseeded with the approved seed mixture in the fall. In addition to facilities demolition, BTUEC took advantage of having earth-moving equipment on-site and backfilled two subsidence holes near the Oakey Plaza Reclamation Storage Building (possibly associated with the ongoing Wise Hill coal burn) and an isolated mine opening (as shown on the Reclamation and Building Demolition Map). Following placement and compaction of the demolition debris, excavated material was backfilled over the portion of the permitted solid waste disposal area utilized during 2008, the area was regraded, stockpiled soil material was replaced, and the area was reseeded with the approved seed mixture, along with other reclaimed areas, in the fall. Ongoing site maintenance and monitoring activities continued. During 2006, the frequency of surface and ground water monitoring was increased to provide for updated hydrologic information, in the event that Peabody decides to pursue further exploration and feasibility evaluations for the Empire property, and the more intensive hydrologic monitoring continued during 2007 and 2008. Maintenance activities included inspection and clean-out of drainage structures (as needed), and focused weed- and rodent-control activities. During 2007, there was an oil pipeline rupture, which resulted in a localized oil spill on the southern portion of BTUEC's property (outside of mine permit area). BTUEC Staff coordinated with the pipeline operator (Rocky Mountain Pipeline) on containment, clean-up, and remediation. Inspection of the affected area during 2008 indicated effective removal of oil contamination, restoration of effective drainage (several intermediate catch basins removed, but final catch basin remains in-place), placement of imported soil materials, and initial vegetative reestablishment. Rodent control activities focused on follow-up to the 2005-2007 programs to address an existing infestation of ground squirrels in areas to the west, north, and south of the 7-North Angle Dewatering Borehole. The 2005-2007 control efforts were effective in significantly reducing the ground squirrel population. 2008 activities were limited, since planned efforts to coordinate rodent control with the Moffat County Cooperative Extension Service were not successful. BTUEC will reevaluate rodent populations early in 2009, and design the 2009 program based on conditions at that time. The Williams Fork irrigation ditch remains open and usable following beaver control efforts in 2006. Spot spraying was conducted for noxious weed infestations in 2008 as a follow-up to the 2005-2007 concentrated weed control program. Spraying was completed by BTUEC Mine Environmental Staff, Peabody reclamation personnel, and one of the grazing lessees. Targeted weed species included Russian knapweed, leafy spurge, Houndstongue, hoary cress (white-top), Canadian thistle, and tamarisk. Selective herbicide applications utilized 2,4-D amine, Banvel, Escort, triclopyr (tamarisk), and Activator 90. Spraying was conducted from June through October.