2009-11-24_INSPECTION - C1981019

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Colowyo C- 1981 -019 10 Nov 2009 Pg 6/7 Backfilling and Grading (cont.): - North Taylor, West Pit (cont.) - Colowyo has cut four contour ditches into the reclaimed slopes in the North Taylor area, two on each side of the Taylor Tributary Ditch. These contour ditches flow into the Taylor Tributary Ditch and ultimately into the East Taylor Pond. There is one portion on the upper contour ditch on the east side of the Taylor Tributary Ditch that was particularly steep (approximately 10% versus the 1%-2% for the remaining portions of the ditch and the other ditches). Colowyo will need to closely monitor this ditch to ensure its long -term stability. There were three locations in the North Taylor backfill area that had small cracks in the topsoil. These cracks were all approximately three feet in length and approximately 6 -12 inches deep. These were cracks and not caused by a ripper shank. The Division advises Colowyo to repair these cracks immediately so they do not become a larger problem this spring during snow melt and runoff. The locations of these cracks are noted in the chart below and are shown on the map attached at the end of this inspection report. FID GPS Elev Northine Eastine 0 7014.3 4460221.768 259048.743 1 7227.6 4459553.788 258834.096 2 7006.8 4460222.669 258989.408 Topsoil: - As noted in last month's inspection report, Colowyo had temporarily stockpiled topsoil on a bench in the South Taylor Pit. This topsoil was removed from the A -A' underdrain area of the West Taylor Fill. This topsoil has been completely removed and taken to the large topsoil stockpile in the Section 16 area. General Mine Plan Compliance: - The 101 dragline was in the West Pit uncovering X- Seam coal (although it was not operating at the time of the inspection). It is old and difficult to maintain so it is not clear whether it will return to the East Pit to perform further reclamation. - The 102 dragline was removing F -Seam overburden in the West Pit. - The 103 dragline was also working in the West Pit removing F -Seam overburden. - The 114 shovel operation was in the South Taylor Pit box -cut removing B -1 Seam overburden. - The 115 excavator was working in the South Taylor Pit removing B -3 seam overburden. - Colowyo has uncovered F -Seam Coal in the area where the highwall miner was operating Oust below where the bench for the highwall miner was). All of the overburden has been removed but the coal has not yet been shot or removed. Excess Spoil: - The Streeter Fill was observed from below at the Streeter Pond. The fill was well vegetated and appeared to be stable. No erosional problems were noted on the face of the fill. The rock drain on the north of the fill was stable.