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Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made <br />during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection <br />and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. <br />This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of <br />Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (Division). The operator was not present during the field <br />inspection. This former surface mine is reclaimed with activities generally focused on <br />monitoring and maintenance. Ground conditions were extremely dry and the weather was <br />warm and breezy. <br />Availability of Records <br />The public copy of the mine records is kept at the New Elk Coal Company (NECC) office, <br />located at 122 West First Street, Trinidad CO, 81082, phone 719 - 845 -0090. All records with <br />the exception of the 2010 Annual Reclamation Report were found in compliance as detailed <br />on page 2a of this report. <br />Hydrologic Balance <br />Revegetation <br />III. COMMENTS - COMPLIANCE <br />All ponds at the site were dry due to the extreme drought that has gripped the region for the <br />first half of 2011. A sediment marker remains on the embankment of Pond 9a awaiting <br />installation. Please ensure all sediment markers are in place while ponds are dry and <br />accessible. <br />Alternative sediment control measures in the form of straw bales have been established in <br />those areas needing work as noted in the January 2011 report. Two of those areas are <br />shown in photos 1 and 2 under the photographs heading. Photo 1 shows the bales <br />established in the pond 5 watershed where flows drop from the reclaimed area into the <br />undisturbed area. Photo 2 shows bales established in the two gullies in area S -4. <br />Drought has resulted in stunted growth of all species so far this growing season. Rain is <br />badly needed to prevent excessive erosion that can occur during late summer <br />thunderstorms. Knapweed plants were noted at the entrance to the east downdrain of Fill 8 <br />and should be sprayed as soon as possible. <br />3 <br />