_INSPECTION - C1980005 (24) - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 quarterly inspection of the Seneca II Mine, including check of office records. The various mine roads were travelled and large areas of the reclamation was viewed from the vehicle. Sediment ponds and various areas of interest were accessed by foot. Significant portions of the East Wadge reclaimed area (not yet approved for Phase 1 bond release), as well as the acid spoil remediation area in the portion of the pre-law area that is still under bond, were walked. Weather was clear and warm, soils were moist from recent rains. Access was limited on 5/26 due to muddy road sections in certain locations, but by late morning on 5/27, all areas were accessible. 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. Availability of Records Records were checked in the mine office on the morning of 5/29, and were found to be in good order and up to date. See Records Form attached. Roads Permit area roads were muddy in some locations on 5/26, but by 5/27 all roads were passable and generally in good condition, with typical seasonal maintenance warranted in some locations. Roads E, E1, C, F, the Pre-Law Road, and the Light Use Road were driven during the inspection. A segment of the Road F drainage ditch in the PM-4 vicinity was scoured and needs maintenance. Hydrologic Balance Sediment Ponds 002 (Wadge Impoundment), 003 (Shop Pond), 004, and 008, as well as the Pecoco Impoundment were observed during the inspection. All of the ponds were discharging clear flow, with no problems evident. The reclaimed area stock ponds observed all contained water from snowmelt and recent rains, as did the small pond in the portion of the Pre-Law area that has not yet been released from bond. Disturbed area runoff appeared to be properly contained within the approved sediment control system in all areas observed. Scattered debris was still present along the shop area containment ditch as noted in the previous inspection, and needs to be picked up and properly disposed of. Support Facilities A geotechnical assessment drilling program associated with facility site investigations for Peabody Sage Creek Coal Company's (PSCCC) planned Sage Creek Mine, within the Seneca II permit boundary, was recently approved within Minor Revision No. 60 (MR-60). The drilling plan was also approved as an amendment to an exploration Notice of Intent, held by PSCCC. The geotechnical drilling will entail up to 30 shallow drill holes within a 20 acre site in the Pond 002 watershed, immediately to the northeast of existing NO[ drill site#CCU036. The geotechnical drilling activities have not yet been initiated. There was no activity in the shop facility area. Due to financial problems, the company that had been using the facilities for fabrication and parts warehousing under a purchase agreement with Seneca, has ceased operations. 3