_INSPECTION - C1981022 (48) - Laserfiche WebLink

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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 an aerial inspection of the Elk Creek Mine conducted by Harry Ranney of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety(DRMS). Aerial photographs were taken on May 20, 2010 at approximately 7:37 a.m. Fourteen photographs were taken during the flyover. Mike Boulay of the DRMS reviewed the aerial photographs. Weather conditions were clear and sunny and the ground appeared to be dry throughout the mine site at the time of the flight. Photographs were taken of the Bear Creek Fan site, the main facilities along the Elk Creek drainage, and the coal refuse facilities located to the west. The Bear Creek Fan site is shown in attached Photograph No. 1. This location is very well maintained. The Elk Creek Upper Fan bench is shown in Photograph No. 2. At this location it appears that a motor grader is working to build out the borehole drill pad for the new methane drainage facility to be located at the Elk Creek Fan bench. This facility was approved with Technical Revision No. 68 and will consist of a steel cased methane drainage borehole and a twin electric driven methane exhauster system. The methane exhauster system would be similar to the facility located at the Bear Creek Fan site facility. As shown in the attached photo, the new facility location is at the far end of the disturbance boundary on the Elk Creek drainage specifically at the North SAE. From the aerial photograph it appears that Oxbow Mining, LLC (OMLLC) is taking adequate measures to provide erosion protection and to protect the Elk Creek drainage at this new drill site location. The Elk Creek Mine main level facilities are shown in attached Photo No. 3. The coal stockpile, loadout facilities,bath house, office, and warehouse/shop are all visible in the photograph. The facilities and surrounding perimeter areas all appear to be maintained and no areas of concern were identified. The II-West refuse pile is shown in Photograph No. 4. The refuse pile is stable with no signs of erosion or instability. Several ponds were visible in the photographs including Ponds A, B, D, and E. Ponds A, B, and D were retaining significant amounts of water. All sediment control structures shown in the photographs are stable and functioning properly. Access and haul roads appear to be in good condition. All site locations visible in the photographs appeared stable and no significant erosion or other problems were identified with this aerial inspection.