_INSPECTION - C1982056 ‎(45)‎

• Permit No: C1982056
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 3/23/2010
• Email Name: JHB
• 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 was a partial inspection conducted by Janet Binns of Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and
Safety. Brian Watterson of Twentymile Coal Company accompanied the inspection. The Foidel Creek
Mine is a large active underground mine. The mining operation has moved the longwall into the Western
Mining District (WMD) is mining Longwall Panel 17L. Mine personnel reported that the longwall face is
still further than 400 ft. from RCR#27. The weather was foggy and snowing all throughout the day. The
snowpack is melting off and the ground was thawed and muddy. No trains were loading coal at the time of
the inspection. The mine site remains snow covered with 4-8 inches of snow.
Signs and Markers: TCC is in the process of installing the 18LT waterline between Fish Creek Borehole
and the 18LT facilities pad. TCC needs to place disturbance area markers so they can be clearly seen and so
they define the limits of the approved disturbance area. The waterline corridor between TORT and 6MN
Reservoir needs to be clearly marked with disturbance area markers too. The current snow cover makes
these delineators hard to see. All disturbances from the waterline corridors need to be clearly marked.
Roads: Haul Roads and access roads throughout the mine were muddy, but in good condition, with no
ponded water. Access road and haul road ditches were functioning and culverts were able to pass the runoff
flow. TCC has constructed the temporary access road to the topsoil stockpile in the CRDA expansion area.
Topsoil: TCC has completed salvage topsoil from the RDA Expansion area first construction interval.
Topsoil from the footprint of the overburden stockpile has been transported to the CRDA Topsoil stockpile.
Sediment control measures, wattles, are staked around the toe of the stockpiles, and ditches are in place. All
runoff from the active topsoil stripping area reports to Pond D, from both upland and disturbed areas.
18LT waterline corridor project is being conducted in the spring while conditions are wet. TCC grades the
pipeline corridor quickly after burying the waterline. The salvaged topsoil has been windrowed to the west
of the trench. TCC will allow the topsoil to dry slightly before replacement. Topsoil replacement will occur
as soon as ground conditions allow. This is acceptable as re-spreading too wet soil can severely damage soil
properties.
Hydrologic Balance:
TCC has not pumped from TORT. TCC reported that about 10 days ago the freeboard at TORT was 48.5 ft. as
measured in the piezometer. TCC has crossed Fish Creek with the installation of the 18LT waterline. TCC
reported that the creek was mostly frozen when the coffer dams were installed and the creek bed was
trenched. The upper cofferdam has been removed and the staked hay bales on the downstream side remain.
Fish Creek is flowing well with snowmelt. The creek flow is slightly cloudy upstream of the disturbance
area as well as downstream. TCC obtained a construction permit from CDPHE and inspects this crossing at
least weekly. TCC has staked wattles along approaches to the crossing. One section of wattles still needs to
be anchored along the waterline corridor on the east side of Fish Creek.
TCC is pumping from FCVS to the treatment ponds. TCC is not discharging to Fish Creek.
3 of 6 WHITE-File YELLOW -Operator PINK- Specialist