2012-02-16_REPORT - C1982056 (3)

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Key mining and related activities occurring during 2011 included: ➢ Ongoing development and longwall mining operations in the Western Mining District ➢ Completion of the 18 -Left Mine Water Transfer Pipeline ➢ Completion of the 6 -Right Thickener Underflow Borehole and Pipeline and initiation of thickener underflow discharge to the Eastern Mining District ➢ Ongoing expansion of rock -dust handling system to comply with new MSHA standards ➢ Transfer of refuse placement activities to the Coal Refuse Disposal Expansion Area ➢ Completion of the fueling station upgrades ((MR10 -246) )=. Completion of 2011 WMD exploration drilling program ➢ Completion of field geotechnical investigations as basis for design and permitting of Sage Creek - Twentymile overland conveyor ➢ Completed and integrated Environmental Awareness Handbook into mine and contractor training programs ➢ Update of SPCC Plan to reflect operational and facilities changes and to effect compliance with recent changes in SPCC regulations ➢ Initiated a coordination effort with CPW to develop and implement a regional wildlife mitigation framework and plans ➢ Approval of self - bonding and submittal of bond riders to address Mid -Term bond adjustment and approved revisions ➢ Coordinated CMA review and input on CDRMS rulemaking proposal All remaining surface structures and facilities at the Fish Creek Tipple were demolished during summer 2011, with the majority of the steel demolition debris being salvaged Limited rough grading was also completed to stabilize the site and control surface runoff. No other backfilling, grading, or topsoil replacement occurred during 2011. There are several areas on the attached "2011 Annual Reclamation Report Disturbed Acreage" summary that are identified as "Reclaimed ". These areas have previously been regraded and stabilized with vegetation, however, TCC has not pursued bond release for these areas due to the potential for re- disturbance in conjunction with required access and site maintenance activities. During 2011, TC contracted with Resource Logic to complete reclamation seeding of a total of approximately 39 acres in the following areas: • 18 -Left Sedimentation Pond erosion repair and 18 -Left Pipeline (reseed) • Weed - treatment areas along Foidel Creek and Mine Haulroad (areas treated for heavy infestations of whitetop, reseeded to minimize potential for recurrence of weed infestations) • Coal Refuse Disposal Area, area re- topsoiled during 2011 and Soil Material Stockpile area • Pond embankment and outlet repair areas (Ponds D, E, G, and Fish Creek Tipple Pond) • 6 -Right Thickener Underflow Pipeline and Borehole disturbance • NW Mains Vent Fans soil stockpiles (reseed to control weeds) • 6 Main North Reservoir Embankment (reseed to control weeds) • 18 -Right road embankments and reclaimed pad area (reseed) Under our ongoing noxious weed control program, TC completed noxious weed control spraying for both active and bond - released areas (approximately 70 acres), consistent with the approved Noxious Weed Control Plan (MR06 -206). Areas sprayed for weeds are shown on the 2011 Annual Reclamation Map. A spring spraying program (May -June) focused on control of white -top (hoary cress) houndstongue, and knapweed, using 2,4D and Escort. The fall spraying program (September- October) focused on control of thistle, any residual weeds, and toadflax, which had previously been found on the site only as small, isolated occurrences, using 2,4D in combination with Mirage, Tordon, or Banvel. Spraying was also conducted during the spring, within and around substations and conveyors using GlyStar + (a generic Roundup substitute) and Sahara to eliminate all vegetation, as a fire- safety and MSHA consideration. As part of our ongoing land management programs, TCC also conducted managed livestock grazing activities (approximately 2,150 steers) on the bond - released areas.