_INSPECTION - C1994082 (41) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e• 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. Backfill & Grading Areas subject to the SL-2 release request included limited acreage of the North Pit(primarily reclaimed road and permanent drainage corridors), a significant portion of the South Pit, and a significant portion of the Neck Pit and vicinity. Watersheds subject to bond release request within each of the reclaimed pit areas were walked during the inspection, and observations were made with regard to approximate original contour and erosional stability of the reclaimed landscape. Postmine drainage channels were walked along their entire length. Limited areas that were not observed during the July inspection were checked during an inspection of August 12, 2009. Locations within the Pond 011A watershed in the North Pit area were subject to erosion repair work in September; these areas will be inspected by the Division during the October 2009 inspection,prior to issuance of a proposed decision for SL-2. Based on observations made during and prior to the SL-2 inspection, and in subsequent inspections, the Division's general conclusion is that reclaimed areas have been restored to the approximate original contour of the pre-mining landscape. The present surface configuration achieved by Backfill and grading of the mined areas closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining. Reclaimed areas blend in well with existing undisturbed landscape. Comparison of the Post- mining Topography Map (Exhibit 20-2)to pre-mining topography as depicted on the Land Use Map (Exhibit 4-1), indicates that the major pre-mining drainages were reconstructed in the approximate original locations, with additional drainage density added by the construction of numerous small tributary channels. Backfill and grading compliance, including postmining channel design conformance and stability, is addressed separately below for the three primary pit area parcels subject to the SL-2 application. North Pit Area The North Pit area includes all disturbed/reclaimed areas located east of the YPM-11 segment of Armand Draw, within the northern and central portions of the coal extraction area of the Yoast permit. The YPM-11 segment itself and adjacent slopes was observed on 7/16; the segment appeared stable and well vegetated (Photos#543 and#544). Permanent channels YPM-10, YPM-21, YPM-21A and YPM-21B drain the western sloping portions of the North Pit area into Annand Draw and Sediment Pond 10, while eastern sloping portions of the North Pit are drained by Channels YPM-13 and YPM-9 into Pond 011, and ultimately Grassy Creek. A power line owned by Yampa Valley Electric Association(YVEA) extends over 7000 feet from the permit boundary along Grassy Creek, to a mine substation immediately west of LU3A. The power line corridor is located to the north of the North Pit area, and has been approved as a permanent 4