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August 17, 2010 C-1981-022/Elk Creek Mine MPB <br />ROADS - Rule 4.03 <br />Li Construction 4.03.1(3)/4.03.2(3) <br />? Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4) <br />?Surfacing and Maintenance4.03.1(5) and (6)/4.03.2(5) and (6) <br />DReclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): <br />The Elk Creek Haul and Access Roads, Bear Creek and Hubbard Creek Access Roads were inspected. Road <br />surfaces were damp but all areas of the mine site were accessible. Road ditches and road culverts along the main <br />haul/access roads are generally well maintained and road surfaces were graded and stable. Cut slopes along these <br />drainages were stable and no slides or other damage was noted along any of the haul/access roads. Coal Bank <br />Access was also inspected. The road up to the GVB sites is not paved and rough but passable. All other roads <br />throughout the permit area were in good condition. <br />SUPPORT FACILITIES - Rule 4.04: <br />The II-West refuse pile was viewed and the coal waste pile was stable with no signs of erosion. <br />The Bear Creek fan site was operational and very well maintained. The Hubbard Creek fan and substation site <br />was found to be stable and maintained. No erosional or other problems were identified at either of these facility <br />locations. <br />The reclaimed Sanborn Creek portals, the Sanborn Creek fan site, and Substation No. 3 were also inspected. <br />These lower elevation areas appear to be somewhat sparsely vegetated but remain stable and well maintained with <br />no erosion occurring. <br />Coal Bank Access area was inspected. This area is located above the Old Sanborn Creek portals and several gob <br />vent boreholes are still in place at three drill pad locations above the mine workings. The gob vent boreholes may <br />be utilized in the future for methane removal from the mine workings. The drill pads have been largely reclaimed <br />and are stable, well vegetated, and have good surface drainage. One of the drill pad sites with gob vent boreholes <br />is shown in Photograph No. 4. <br />Good progress is being made at the methane drainage facility located at the Elk Creek Fan bench. The twin electric <br />driven methane exhauster system and building is currently under construction. <br />No problems were noted at any of the facility locations during this complete inspection. <br />SIGNS AND MARKERS - Rule 4.02: <br />The mine ID sign was in place at both the main entrance at the train loadout and the back entrance along old <br />Highway 133. The gate was locked to the back entrance. Permit boundary markers are in place as required. <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br />Page 3 of 8