2011-08-23_INSPECTION - C1994082

Home Browse Search

July 18, 2011 spraying was noted in the Neck pit and Pond 012A drainage areas. C- 1994- 082/Yoast Mine SLB Canada thistle, Musk thistle, Dalmation toadflax, Whitetop, and Hound's tongue are all List B species, and Cheatgrass is a List C on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. These weeds need to continue to be managed in accordance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, and in cooperation with the Routt County Weed Department. Weed concentrations like those observed during this inspection would preclude eligibility for Phase III bond release. Erosional Features: Very few erosional features were observed in the North Pit area, the exception being in the immediate vicinity of Pond 011A, postmining drainages YPM -9 (photo) and YPM -13. The area of erosion in YPM- 9 is in the bond release request area; the YPM-1 3 area is not. Knickpoints and fabric separation were observed in the YPM -19 channel; this should be monitored and repaired as necessary. In the South area, erosional features were observed as follows: Channel YPM -3 -2 was sidecutting approximately 12 ". This was not identified in the 2011 Rill and Gully survey, so it should be added to the list of areas in need of repair. There were two gullies on either side of the TRM channel between YPM -14 and Pond 014, approximately 7" deep. These gullies were also not identified in the 2011 survey. They should be monitored and repaired if they continue to erode. YPM -5 -1 and YPM -6 -2 were downcutting and most of the Mirafi and TRM had been displaced. There were several gullies, as deep as 12 ", flowing into the drainages (photo). Condition of Sediment Ponds: All ponds were stable and vegetated (photo). Discharge structures were in good condition. Discharges from Ponds 010, 011, 012, and 014 were clear. Pond 013 was not discharging at the time of the inspection. Construction and Performance of Permanent Impoundments: Pond 010 is the only pond approved for permanent retention. As noted above, the pond is in good condition and performing as designed. Some of the areas on which SCC requested Phase II bond release include areas of recent instability (Pond 013 slide area, Neck Pit slide area) and will not be eligible for bond release at this time. A full discussion and maps of those excluded areas will be included in the Division's Proposed Decision and Findings for SL -3 which will be written at the time of the Division's proposed decision on the application. Comments from landowners and their representatives: Filimon and Mabel Salazar own property on the east side of RCR 37, across from Ponds 013 and 014. During the pre- inspection meeting they expressed a concern with the weed infestation on the mine area. Larry Kunckle, representing John Patrick who owns property in the southeast area of the South pit, also expressed concern with the weeds in that area. He also commented that the alfalfa cover was desirable and that reclamation in general was satisfactory. Mark Stewart, representing Xcel Energy, expressed mild concern with the weeds but commented favorably on the diversity of the vegetation. He was concerned with the erosion of the YPM -13 and YPM -9 drainage channels. The channels are not included in the bond release area, and will be repaired as part of the normal Rill and Gully plan approved in the permit application package. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 0 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 Page 5 of 19