_INSPECTION - C1980007 (50) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

July 19, 2011 C-1980-007/West Elk Mine TAK is provided behind a tab in Exhibit 80 of the permit application that corresponds to the MR or TR in which that group o f MDWs and roads were approved. The reclamation plan for MDW pads generally has the following three steps: 1. Upon completion of each phase of activity at a given site,all debris,trash,and drilling related equipment, or de- gas housing will be removed from the site. 2. When the mud pit or pits are sufficiently dry,they will be filled with stored soil material and compacted to minimize any settling. 3. A backhoe and a bulldozer will redistribute material on and around the drill pad to achieve as closely as practicable the original contour of the site. The area will then be ripped or scarified. The reclamation plan calls for MDW access roads to be restored as closely as possible to the approximate original contour with an uneven final surface. In an email from Tom Kaldenbach to Ryan Sweetwater,dated January 25, 2011,DRMS notified Mountain Coal Company that approximate original contour would be verified during this inspection by visual observation because of: a)the small sizes of the disturbed areas(most drill pads are less than one acre), and b)the material that was regraded to achieve approximate original contour was stockpiled on each site. The email explained that if achievement of approximate original contour for a site is in question,then DRMS may request submittal of additional information, including detailed topographic profiles and topographic maps. Mike Ward,the operator's consultant,has a detailed knowledge of the bond release area,having prepared reclamation progress reports (Annual Reclamation Photograph Project Reports)for the West Elk Mine each year since 2004. These reports contain photographs of each site in the bond release area,providing year-by-year comparisons of ground conditions. The West Elk Mine prepares these reports on their own initiative. Mr. Ward's participation in the inspection greatly expedited finding the remote sites and he provided a valuable historical perspective on reclamation progress. During the inspection,the ground was dry and the weather was clear and warm. Of the 55 individual disturbed sites in the bond release area, approximately 35 were visited. Three sites sites could be seen from across Deep Creek and the remainder have been visited on past inspections. All sites appeared very similar to the photographs in the 2010 Annual Reclamation Photograph Project. The inspection checked wellbore locations on the ground surface for compliance with Rule 4.07.3 which requires that wellbore closures be designed to prevent access to the mine workings and to keep acid other toxic drainage from entering ground or surface waters. 4.07.3 also requires a hole to be marked. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year,ending 6/30/12: 1 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 Page 3 of 11