_INSPECTION - C1981012 ‎(52)‎

• Permit No: C1981012
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DRMS
• To: New Elk Coal Company
• Inspection Date: 6/20/2011
• 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 fads or evidence supporting the enforcement action.
This was a complete inspection conducted by Kent Gorham of the Colorado Division of
Reclamation, Mining, and Safety. Al Weaver and Bobby Steele of New Elk Coal Company
(NECC)were present during various portions of the field inspection. Underground mining
operations continue at a slow rate as the operator mines toward the East Portal vent fan.
Ground conditions were dry and the weather was warm and breezy.
Availability of Records
The public copy of the mine records is kept at the New Elk Coal Company (NECC) office,
located at 122 West First Street, Trinidad CO, 81082, phone [phone]. Records were
found as detailed on page 2a of this report. Please update the public copy of the mine record
as noted in the comments section of page 2a.
Roads
Road improvements continue with surfacing, berm construction, and general maintenance.
Roads were found in excellent condition. Road watering was noted on both days of the
inspection.
Processing Waste
A small amount (approx. 1000 cubic yards) of new refuse was observed stockpiled toward the
back of the refuse disposal area(RDA). The operator has not yet extended the RDA conveyor
as recently approved. Material is collected from the end of the refuse conveyor using a large
loader and transported to the back of the pile. Water was noted seeping from the refuse but
this small amount of water did not reach the refuse area downdrains prior to infiltration or
collection in low spots on the existing surface. The 100-year ditch was traversed along its
entire length and found in excellent condition. Pond 8 below the RDA held water some 10-15
feet below the lowest discharge point.
Hydrologic Balance
Berms have now been established along the
north boundary (below left) and the south
boundary (at right) of the coal loadout. Berms
on the north boundary prevent the run-on of
storm water to this SAE area. Two
exceptions are the east and west ends of the
10.5 acre area, where work to finalize
construction of the loadout remains to be
completed. A small sump area was also
noted on the south boundary, shown below at
right. The berms and sumps are in
compliance with the approved plan as shown
in Exhibit 40.
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