2010-11-29_INSPECTION - C1996084

• Permit No: C1996084
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Date: 11/29/2010
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DRMS
• To: New Elk Coal Company
• Inspection Date: 12/22/2010
• 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). Vince Massaroti of New Elk Coal Company
(NECC) was present during the field inspection. This former surface mine is reclaimed with
activities generally focused on monitoring and maintenance. Heavy fog blanketed the site on
this day. Temperatures were below freezing, causing ice to form on vegetation. Ground
conditions were passable and the area was traversed on foot.
Availability of Records
The public copy of the mine records is maintained at the New Elk Coal Company office,
located at 122 West First Street, Trinidad CO, 81082, phone [phone]. Ron Thompson
of NECC was present during the records inspection. All records were found in compliance
as detailed on page 2a of this report. Quarterly reporting was not current through the third
quarter as some of the reports are at the engineer's office for certification.
Hydrologic Balance
Sediment ponds 6, 7, 8, 9, and 9a were visited. Access to pond 5 was poor due to
conditions and this pond was not visited. Most ponds were dry or held only small amounts of
water. The Division suggests that the "rock farm" area at pond 6 be regraded after possibly
harvesting a stockpile of riprap for any future needs. All ponds appeared in good condition
with no concerns noted.
Reclamation Success
Since the last inspection, the operator has completed many of the repair activities necessary
following heavy rains in the past summer months. Rills and gullies developed in some areas
of reclamation, especially in the center saddle area and the steeper western slopes. Some
downcutting occurred above Pond 6 and over time, erosion had occurred above pond 9 as
the runoff was directed down a steep slope and under a pre-existing gas road. Portions of
the six downdrains that flank the three excess spoil fills had also incurred some damage from
various storm events. Work completed is as follows;
• Main ditch and side ditch above Pond 6, check dams installed and straw bales as
needed
• Fill 7 downdrains repaired as needed
• Saddle area rill and gully repair in reclaimed area
• West side ditch into the west downdrain at Fill 8 repaired
• Riprap ditch above Pond 9 and gas road repaired
• Fill 9 side ditch regraded
Some hand work remains to be completed. Smaller rills and gullies may be mitigated using
less invasive tactics such as bales or wattles as necessary. Headwater areas where the
larger gullies were repaired should be bermed using bales to prevent future headcutting and
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