_INSPECTION - C1981008 (55) - Laserfiche WebLink

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i 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 was a Partial Inspection of the New Horizon Mine conducted by Marcia Talvitie of the Colorado DRMS beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, 17 August 2009. Tom Fry represented the operator, Western Fuels - Colorado, and was present throughout the entire inspection. The inspection began at 2:30 p.m. at the mine office, and concluded at 5:00 p.m. Weather conditions were clear and hot. Permittinq • SL-1 1 received final approval by the Division on 28-Jul-2009. • Issuance of the RN-05 Decision and Findings is imminent. Hydrologic Balance • The new 12" buried irrigation line has been installed, delivering water to the Burbridge parcel. The line runs south along the property line between Burbridge and San Miguel Power. • Pond 007 has been discharging steadily throughout the summer. Tom mentioned that the pH tends to be high, but it is also high in the flow from the West Lateral ditch where it enters the permit area. • The permit area received one-half inch of rain three days prior to the inspection. The water in Pond 011 appeared somewhat clouded, perhaps due to the recent storm event. The pond was discharging at the time of the inspection. • The western half of the bottom of Pond 012 was covered with water. Cattails continue to thrive in the eastern half. • Pond 013 continues to have a few puddles on the bottom. Topsoil • During construction of Pond 011 in early 2008, topsoil and overburden was excavated and stockpiled immediately east of the pond. The eastern end of the pile is essentially a mixture of A and B horizon soils. The western half is very rocky, and although labeled as topsoil, is in reality more similar to Bench 1 material. Tom said that Ross Gubka has discussed the issue with Mike Morgan, and both have agreed that the east half will be treated as "B" horizon,while the western portion will become pit backfill. General Mine Plan Compliance • Previous inspection reports have noted the increasingly close proximity of the active pit operations to the Morgan home, and the efforts being undertaken by WFC to limit seismic concerns at the structure. At the southern end of the most recent cut, WFC opted to leave a block of coal in place rather than risk exceeding allowable movement. Topsoil and overburden were stripped from this zone, but the coal was not shot or removed. Fish & Wildlife • A large flock of Canada Geese was enjoying themselves at Pond 007. • While we watched, a group of five slender wading-type birds made multiple circles over Pond 007, but flew off without setting down. The birds were possibly white-faced ibis. New Horizon Mine C-1981-008 17-Aug-2009 .1-