_INSPECTION - C1980005 (22) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r. 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 partial inspection of the Seneca II Mine, covering limited portions of the mine site that could be accessed by pickup. Weather was clear and warm, and snow had recently largely melted off reclaimed slopes in much of the Pecoco and Pond 002 watersheds. However, remnant snow and mud along the light use road in the vicinity of the drainage divide between Pecoco and Pond 004 watersheds prevented access to Pond 004, Pond 008, and adjacent areas. Roads "E", "E-1", and "C"were open. Chavez Point, the highest elevation on the mine site, in the northeast corner of the permit area, was accessed. Significant snow cover was still present along reclaimed drainages and north facing slopes within the higher elevation portions of the permit area. The operation appeared to be in compliance with applicable regulatory and permit requirements. Inspector was accompanied by Roy Karo, SCC Reclamation Manager. The mine has been largely reclaimed, with remaining tasks limited primarily to future reclamation of the shop facilities area. Roads Haul Road "E"through the shop facilities area up to a short distance beyond Pond 002 was maintained through the winter. Other permit area roads were not maintained through the winter, due to the fact that coal extraction has been discontinued, and pit backfilling operations have been completed. During the inspection, Roads"E", "E-1", and "C"were driven and the roads were generally in good condition. Hydrologic Balance Sediment Ponds 002(Wadge Impoundment), 003(Shop Pond), and the Pecoco Impoundment were observed during the inspection. All of the ponds were ice free, and were discharging clear flow, with no problems evident. Pond embankments and inlet areas appeared stable. Sediment Ponds 004 and 008, which discharge into Fish Creek tributaries, were not accessible. The upper warehouse area SAE straw wattle installations were intact and functional. The main shop area containment ditch that reports to Pond 003 was walked along its entire length. The ditch was mucked out last year and is in good condition with excess capacity. There was a small flow of clear water in the ditch at the time of the inspection. Some scattered debris has ended up in the ditch and along the adjacent fence, mostly cardboard, plywood scrap, plastic bags, etc. The debris along the ditch needs to be picked up and properly disposed of. Support Facilities Exploration drilling conducted under an approved Notice of Intent by Peabody Sage Creek Coal Company (PSCCC)was in progress at Drill Site#CCU036, immediately to the east of Road "E1", downstream of the Pecoco Impoundment. Proper containment measures appeared to be in place. An amendment to the NO[was recently submitted by PSCCC, and a corresponding minor revision application to the Seneca II permit was submitted by SCC(MR-60), to allow additional drilling this summer for geotechnical assessment associated with anticipated Sage Creek Mine permit application. The geotechnical drilling would entail up to 30 shallow drill holes within a 20 acre site immediately to the northeast of CCU036. The PSCCC NOI amendment and MR-60 application are currently under review by the Division. Backfilling and Gradinq A small repaired slump area associated with a seep a short distance up-drainage from the Pecoco Pond was observed during the inspection. There was a remnant snow drift partially obscuring the area, but it appeared 3