2011-09-20_INSPECTION - C1981019

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: Inspection
• Doc Date: 9/20/2011
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• From: DRMS
• To: Colowyo Coal Company
• Inspection Date: 9/20/2011
• Email Name: JHB
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

September 20, 2011 C- 1981 - 019 /Colowyo Coal Mine JHB
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:
Backfill and grading in the east end of the East pit and the northern portion of the West pit has progressed
considerably. Map 29 contains the approved backfill and grading plan. West pit grading appears to be on track for
the projected 2011 -2012 backfill and grading plan. Most of this area, with the exception of the northern end of
this polygon have been regraded, with variable topsoil replacement in progress in this area. Tony Tennyson asked
if the Buckskin drainage needed rip- rapped placed in this reclamation year. The reclaimed drainage will consist of
approximately 1000 yard length. The drainage will not connect to the rest of the drainage until regrading activities
planned for 2014 and 2018 -2020 when the main haul road is reclaimed. Consultation with the maps, the Division
finds that shaping this drainage during the currently approved reclamation plan is appropriate. Placement of rip -
rap in the channel can wait until the next portion of the drainage is constructed in order to tie the channel together.
East pit 2011 backfill and grading is progressing well. An area immediately east of the powerline corridor still
needs additional material in the low spot (hole) on the southern slope at the highwall side. The inspector collected
three slope measurements on the south east extent of the slope (east end of the highwall). From west to east of the
completed slope measurements were 13 degrees (23 %), 13 degrees (23 %), and 12.5 degrees (22 %) on the eastern
extent. This slope meets the approved slope shown on Map 29 (dated 8/12/2011).
X -pod regrading has had only a small portion of the southern extent graded. Construction and implementation of
the Shrub Study plots needs to be underway.
EXCESS SPOIL and DEVELOPMENT WASTE — Rule 4.09
Placement, Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization:
No additional material has been placed on the West pit fill this quarter. Nor was any material removed
from the excess material.
East Taylor Fill continues to receive fill material. No problems were noted on the fill (B -B' Dump).
EXPLOSIVES — Rule 4.08 Distance Prohibitions 4.08.4; Warnings 4.08.4; Control of Adverse Effects 4.08.4:
A coal blast was conducted on 9/20 at 4pm. Appropriate warnings and all clear procedures were followed.
FISH and WILDLIFE — Rule 4.18:
Elk were heard bugling to the South of the permit area. A bull and 4 cow elk were observed in the East Pit
reclamation on 9/21. The animals crossed the rip- rapped drainage with no difficulty. A Pronghorn antelope was
also observed in the ungraded portion of the East Pit.
HYDROLOGIC BALANCE - Rule 4.05 Drainage Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.053; 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:
All sediment ponds were observed.
Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 1
Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1
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