_INSPECTION - C1981012 ‎(43)‎

• Permit No: C1981012
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 3/23/2010
• Email Name: KAG
• 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 complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of
Reclamation, Mining, and Safety(Division). This underground mine continues preparations
for possible re-entry into the mine and development of identified coal resources. Ground
conditions on this day were variable due to mud and snow. The weather was slightly
overcast with moderate temperatures in the mid low 40's, with a significant storm expected
within 12 hours-
Availability of Records
The public copy of the mine records is kept at the New Elk Coal Company (NECC) office
located at 122 West First Street, Trinidad CO, 81082, 719-845-0090. Ron Thompson, mine
superintendent for NECC, was present during the records inspection. The copy of the public
insurance certificate on file had expired on February 8, 2010. On March 26, 2010, the
Division received via email communications a valid copy of the public liability insurance
certificate indicating continuous and uninterrupted coverage until February 8, 2011 in the
amount of$1 million dollars. All records were found in compliance as detailed on page 2a of
this report.
Signs and Markers
Disturbed area markers consisting of white PVC pipe, have been established around the
disturbed perimeter at the upper and lower Apache Canyon shafts as required, shown
respectively below.
Hydrologic Balance
Pond 7 remains full and was frozen. The outlet gate was closed. Of the five containments,
only the conveyor containments held any amount of water. Pond 8 at the RDA held some
water but was at least ten feet below the lowest discharge point. Pond 4 which treats runoff
from the development waste pile held only a small amount of water in the southeast comer
indicating that any snowmelt appears to have been gradual, limiting surface runoff.
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