_INSPECTION - C1981018 ‎(49)‎

• Permit No: C1981018
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 6/2/2010
• Email Name: JHB
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Ill. 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.
Support Facilities: Halandras Landfill was inspected. No liquids are disposed of at these pits. Scott
estimated the water table was in excess of 150 ft below the landfill area. BME uses this area for disposal
of non-coal waste; fiberglass ventilation tubing, wood, tires, and other operational debris. Hydrocarbon
fluids (oils, etc.) are hauled off site by a contractor
Degas vent pads; LWB10-4, LW11-1 Nitrogen wells; N8-51, N8-55, N9-56, SC-HG44-1, SC-HG44-2,
RS4, RS5, were observed. There was no evidence of discharge off these pads. Active sites are identified
with their borehole name with a sign. After reclamation of the borehole, a cemented plug remains in
place with an aluminum cap stamped with the borehole identification number. Reclaimed boreholes
visited were LW10-2, SC-SLI, SC-SL3 and SC-HG-59. SC-HG-59 and SC-SL1 were reclaimed in Fall
2009. These sites have been graded & seeded. The soil surface was left rough. Some emergence of
perennial species was seen, but primarily annual species were observed. Site SC-SL3was seeded in
2007. The vegetation at this pad has established well. A black hose remains were the borehole was. A
permanent marker needs to be installed at this location marking the sealed borehole. The operator
estimated that RS4 would be closed in another week or two from this inspection date.
Wildlife: A pair of Osprey is nesting near the Raw Water Lagoon. One bird was observed on the nest
during the inspection. The operator stated that the birds remained in the area during the vault and
waterline construction project. A flock of White pelicans were also observed near the lagoon area. The
operator reported that Colorado Division of Wildlife and the BLM have identified Townsend's big eared
bat in the Staley-Gordon mine adjacent to the sealed East Portal. These other agencies continue to
monitor these bats.
Reclamation Success: Several reclaimed areas were inspected; East Portal and RDH-1. Both were
reclaimed and seeded in 2002. The East Portal area has a south facing aspect and limited soils. This
area had been disturbed previous to the east portal construction. The backfilled slopes are steep and the
surrounding undisturbed terrain is very rocky. The vegetation has established well considering the steep
and dry locale. Although Cheatgrass continues to be present, desirable perennial species have become
well established as well. No erosional gullies or sediment transport could be noted in this area. The
reclaimed area appears stable with no signs of noxious weed establishment. No surface settleing or
surface cracking was observed over the portal face.
RDH-1 was also reclaimed in 2002. Soils and aspect are very different. The resulting vegetation at this
location has established a good and diverse stand of perennial grasses and woody shrubs. The operator
has left the soil surface very rough. The operator has found that thinner soils replaced favors the
establishment of perennial seeded species over invasive annual species (Cheatgrass).
4 of 6 WHITE- File YELLOW-Operator PINK-Specialist