_INSPECTION - C1981035 ‎(47)‎

• Permit No: C1981035
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 5/28/2009
• Email Name: TAK
• 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 partial inspection of the King Coal land 2 Mines was conducted by DRMS staff from the Durango
Office, located at 691 County Road 233, Suite A-2, Durango, CO 81301, phone [phone].
Operations were active at both sites. Three photos accompany this report.
The Division had recently received a phone call from a citizen who suggested that fly ash, generated
from nearby coal-fired power plants, might be transported to the mine for disposal. Evidence of such
materials being imported to the site was not observed. The Operator's representative, Mr. James
Counts, affirmed that the mine has not imported fly ash and reiterated that the mine has no use for
such materials.
King Coal 1 Mine
Mine identification sign and permit boundary markers were posted. The east and west sediment
ponds contained water, approximately two feet deep and well below discharge levels. Spillways for
the ponds appeared clear and functional with no discharge noted. Pond embankments appeared
stable; no evidence of slumping, settling or erosion was observed. Previously identified infestations of
White top and Russian knapweed appeared to have been eradicated from the pond embankments.
Grading and compaction of the top surface of the refuse disposal pile appeared to have been
completed. Earthen cover for the west face of the refuse disposal pile had been recently applied. An
excavator was extending the rock lined portion of the east diversion ditch located along the north side
of the refuse disposal pile. The upper reach of the east diversion had been cleaned of sediment.
Maintenance of the east diversion was an issue identified in the Division's inspection report generated
from the April 30, 2009 inspection. Other maintenance issues identified in that report, addressing the
south diversion and inlets for the yard area culverts, had not yet been addressed.
King Coal 2 Mine
Mine identification sign was posted. Construction of support facilities continues to advance. The east
and west upland diversion ditches were well maintained, evidence of erosion or sedimentation was not
observed. Erosion resistant rock lining had been recently installed in the entire reach of the west
diversion located adjacent to the yard and facilities areas. The sediment pond contained no standing
water. Primary and secondary spillways for the sediment pond appeared clear and functional, no
discharge noted. Rock lining for the pond inlet was intact. Vegetative cover for the pond
embankments was establishing. Pond embankments appeared stable; no evidence of slumping,
settling or erosion was observed. Evidence of affected area drainage escaping the sediment
containment system was not observed.