2011-06-28_INSPECTION - C1981010

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Trapper Mine Partial Oversight Inspection Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DBMS) Permit ID # C- 1981 -010 Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 9:00 am — 6 pm Operator: Trapper Mining, Inc. Participants: Graham Roberts, Trapper Mine Rob Zuber, DRMS Bobbi Martinez, OSM Howard Strand, OSM Elizabeth Shaeffer, OSM, Badge # 377 Weather conditions: 63 degrees, partly cloudy, calm Background: The purpose of this oversight inspection was to determine whether DRMS is achieving reclamation success by ensuring that topsoil storage and protection is occurring, or has recently occurred, as required at selected sites in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations and as approved in DRMS permits. The Team set out to verify that topsoil storage and protection is occurring at Trapper Mine in accordance with the applicable portions of: • Section 34- 33- 120(2)(e) of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act • Rules 4.06.1, 4.06.3, and 4.02.7 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining • DRMS permit for Trapper Mine Additionally, the Team evaluated whether DBMS is effectively ensuring customer service by requiring that blasting notifications be advertised to the public (Rule 4.08.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining) The goal of proper blasting notification includes ensuring that all residents, or owners of dwellings or other structures located within one -half mile of the permit area, receive written notification at least 30 days before initiation of blasting. Another goal of proper blasting notification is to ensure that the permittee is publishing and maintaining records from the Public Notice of the blasting schedule. Topsoil Storage and Protection Evaluation: At the mine office we were joined by Graham Roberts. Mr. Roberts gave us a brief overview of the current mining operations and explained that the mining company is actively working in an area where a landslide occurred. As a result of the slide, the company had to modify its mine plan. He informed us that Pit D is open, but not yet accepting ash disposal from the power plant. The group then started the site inspection; we accompanied Mr. Roberts in his vehicle. The Team observed 16 topsoil stockpiles at this mine. We inspected a representative sample of the different types of stockpiles dating back to the late 1970's. Most of the older piles were adequately vegetated and there were no signs of erosion. There were stockpiles that were