2011-10-11_INSPECTION - C1996084

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Mine Site Evaluation Mine Name: Lorencito Canyon Permittee: New Elk Coal Company, LLC Permit #: C- 084 -96 Permit Activity Status: Inactive Inspection Date: June 7, 2011 Inspection Type Code: OSM Partial, Special Focus Evaluation Weather Conditions: 80's, Sunny, windy OSM Inspector: Christy Hulsman Joint - State /OSM Inspection: Yes X No Other inspection participant(s): Kent Gorham, DRMS Howard Strand, OSM Al Weaver, New Elk C'C' Bobby Steele, New Elk C'C' Inspection Narrative This site was inspected under the Prevention of Offsite Impacts, Small Area Exemption, Special Focus Evaluation for EY 2011. The Lorencito Canyon Mine has two areas that fall under the small area exemption criteria outlined at Colorado Rule 4.05.2(3). All of the areas evaluated are within the current permit boundary and have not achieved final bond release. Lorencito Canyon is no longer producing coal. Currently, all efforts are focused on reclamation and maintenance. A topsoil storage area and topsoil borrow area (BA3) are the two small area exemptions are present on the Lorencito Canyon mine. Straw bales and a berm are used as the alternative sediment control measures along the three acre topsoil storage area. These alternative measures are consistent with the demonstrations in the approved mine plan. The straw bales were in place at the time of inspection, but are in need of repair. A few low spots in the berm along the east perimeter of the SAE need to be addressed so that sediment does not leave the SAE from an unplanned discharge point. Topsoil Borrow Area (BA3) is .57 acres and has a natural berm on the north perimeter of the area. There are straw bales in place at the lower end of the drainage area to prevent runoff. The straw bales are in good condition. Water naturally settles in this area and the vegetation is good. A 20 -foot buffer zone exists between the SAE and an adjoining creek and no erosion concerns were identified.