_INSPECTION - C1980007 (50) - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 19, 2011 C-1 980-007/West Elk Mine TAK During the inspection, reclaimed MDW pads were checked for completion of the previously described steps 1 through 3 of the reclamation plan. Reclaimed roads were checked for completion of the approved reclamation plan(restoration as closely as possible to the approximate original contour,with an uneven final surface), and for completion of the backfilling,regrading, and drainage establishment requirements for access roads that are set forth in 4.03.2(7). BACKFILL and GRADING—Rule 4.14 El Contemporaneous Reclamation 4.14.1; Approximate Original Contour 4.14.2;Highwall Elimination 4.14.1(2)(f); Steep Slopes 4.14.2,4.27; Handling of Acid and Toxic Materials 4.14.3; Stabilization of Rills and Gullies 4.14.6: No debris,trash, drilling related equipment,or de-gas housing were found in the bond release area. No mudpits were found. Borehole location markers were found on all but two sites, although they may have been found at those locations with further searching. All backfill material appeared to have been properly regraded on disturbed areas in the bond release area, resulting in the disturbed lands blending well with the natural contour of adjacent undisturbed lands. Cut slopes have also been regraded to blend with adjacent undisturbed lands. Access roads have uneven surfaces as specified in the reclamation plan. Large boulders block access to the reclaimed roads from the actively-used Forest Service roads. Down aspen trees also block access on the reclaimed roads. All regraded areas appeared structurally stable,with no signs of slumps or slides. No tension cracks,head scarps, or compression bulges were found. As previously reported in DRMS's July 2008,July 2009, and September 2010 inspection reports,the operator backfilled subsidence cracks that were up to two feet wide next the West Flatiron Road where the road crosses panel B-21. Rocks spall from the nearby cliff face,also(see discussion of subsidence below). The cracks reported as largely filled in with soil and sediment during the September 2010 inspection,and were not found during the current inspection. FISH and WILDLIFE—Rule 4.18: Wildlife seen during the inspection on or near the bond release area were a coyote,voles, a few small green snakes,and various birds. Deer, elk, and bear droppings were also seen. HYDROLOGIC BALANCE -Rule 4.05 []Drainage Control 4.05.1,4.05.2,4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5,4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Drainage—Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; Impoundments 4.05.6,4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: The ground was dry at all locations inspected. All areas appeared to have positive drainage,with no low areas in the regraded areas that would pond runoff. There were no signs of excessive erosion(e.g., rills,gullies, or sediment fans). The operator has made ample use of downed aspen trees in the bond release area for erosion Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year, ending 6/30/12: 1 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 Page 4 of 11