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May 25,2011 C-1980-007/West Elk Mine TAK <br /> discharge were pH 9.1,electroconductivity 463 mmhos/cm,and temperature 18 degrees C. The CDPS permit for <br /> outfall 014 has a pH limitation of 6.5 to 9.0, indicating an exceedance of pH 0.1 of the pH limit for the pond <br /> discharge. The operator's representative used a portable meter to confirm the pH,measuring pH 9.2 for the <br /> discharge, The discharge was shut-off after DRMS measured pH, and was then shut-off again after the operator <br /> measured pH. (The operator's representative notified Kelly Morgan of the Colorado Water Quality Control <br /> Division of the exceedance on the morning following this inspection. DRMS will follow up with WQCD <br /> regarding the exceedance.) <br /> There was a small trickle of water flowing into pond SG-1 from the Sylvester Gulch facilities area. This inflow <br /> had pH of 7.9 and temperature of 21 degrees C. Best management practices appeared to be functioning at Pond <br /> SG-1 and in its drainage area. These BMPs include compacted gravel pads in the facilities areas where most <br /> runoff would originate, a flow dissipator near the pond inlet,and grass-covered pond inslopes. The pond and <br /> ditches leading to pond appeared well-maintained in accordance with the approved design in Exhibit 66 of the <br /> mining and reclamation permit application. <br /> PROCESSING WASTE/COAL MINE WASTE PILES—Rule 4.10 and 4.11 Drainage Control; Surface <br /> Stabilization; Placement: <br /> The top of the Refuse Pile Expansion(RPE)appeared in good shape, with minimal water ponding on top <br /> from the recent rain. The top of the pile slopes back to the ditch that extends to the RPE ponds. The face of the <br /> pile appeared stable,with good grass cover developing. <br /> There was no activity on the Refuse Pile Expansion East or the road to it because the ground was too wet for earth <br /> work equipment. <br /> The processing plant on top of the Lower Refuse Pile was not operating, as operational modifications were being <br /> made to the plant. <br /> SUPPORT FACILITIES -Rule 4.04: <br /> No problems were found in the Main Faciliites Area, at the shaft sites or mine water ponds in Sylvester <br /> Gulch,or at the Shaft 3 site. <br /> DOCUMENTS RECEIVED=None <br /> OTHER(SPECIFY)-None <br /> Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year,ending 6/30/11: 8 <br /> Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 <br /> Page 3 of 7 <br />