_INSPECTION - C1981008 ‎(53)‎

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 7/27/2010
• Email Name: MLT
• Email Name: SB1
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

July 27, 2010 C-1981-008/New Horizon Mine MLT
RECLAMATION SUCCESS - Rule 4.15, Rule 3:
A series of depressions were visible on the surface of the reclaimed Benson parcel located immediately
east of 2700 Road and north of BB Road. The features are likely due to differential settlement having
occurred over time. The post-mining land use is irrigated pasture, and the depressions were of sufficient
depth to retain water. (Photo 2).
REVEGETATION-Rule 4.150 Vegetative Cover;Timing:
Irrigated pasture (IP) areas on Benson-East and east of San Miguel Draw appear to be well into their
second growth for the season. The remainder of the IP areas south of BB Road and east of 2700 Road
appear to have not yet been completely irrigated following the first cutting (Photo 1). In earlier
discussions with Western Fuels, Mr. Gubka indicated that the first cutting was delayed for these fields in
order to accomplish vegetation sampling for bond release immediately prior to harvest.
The IP reference area located just outside the southeastern corner of the permit appeared well irrigated
with the exception of a drier zone in the southern 1/3rd of the area (Photo 3).
Fields reclaimed to dryland pasture (DP) post-mining land use appeared to be extremely dry.
SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04:
Support facilities located at the eastern end of the permit area were neat orderly (Photo 3). There was
no evidence of surface contamination due to the presence of oil products.
The top surface of "Mount Nucla",the box cut spoil pile, continues to be used as a storage area for
miscellaneous materials.
SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF MINING- Rules 4.22 through 4.27:
Prime Farmlands (Rule 4.25)
On the Morgan property (Photo 4), "Lift A" topsoil had been stripped westward to the limit beyond
which crop irrigation is occurring this season. "Lift B" topsoil had been stripped westward as far as WFC
was able,while leaving a bench in place behind the Lift A stripping. A large width of "Bench 1" material
was exposed, and it appeared that extraction of coal was nearly complete along the current cut.
Lifts A and B have been stockpiled separately on the Morgan property to the east of the pit. It appears
that no distribution of prime farmland topsoil has occurred since late 2009.
TOPSOIL- Rule 4.06❑ Removal 4.06.2; Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4);Storage and Protection 4.06.3;
Redistribution 4.06.4:
On the Lloyd parcel, located north of BB Road, "Mixed" topsoil that had been previously stockpiled in
long linear features had been recently dozer-pushed and spread out to the west (Photo 6). Spreading
of topsoil was not quite complete at the far northern end, and the ripped surface of the Bench 1 surface
spoil was visible.
RECLAMATION PLAN COMPLIANCE-Rule 4.13
Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 1
Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0
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