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September 20, 2011 C -1981 -022 /Elk Creek Mine BFB <br /> <br /> <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 2 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 <br /> <br /> Page 3 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />FISH and WILDLIFE – Rule 4.18: <br /> Numerous ground feeding sparrows were seen f oraging in the v egetation of the reclaimed Bear Creek cut - <br />across road . Bear scat was also seen in the reclamation area. Other species seen were chickadees, blue grouse, <br />nuthatch, chipmunks and ground squirrels. <br /> <br />HYDROLOGIC BALANCE - Rule 4.05 Drainag e Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5, <br />4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water <br />Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Drainage – Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; <br />Impoundments 4.05.6, 4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: <br /> Sedimentation ponds A1, B, C, D and E were inspected. Ponds C and E were dry (photo 3). Ponds A1, B <br />and D retained water but were not discharging water at the time of inspection. Ponds were well maintained and <br />appear to be capable of functioning as intended. <br /> <br />PROCESSING WASTE/COAL MINE WASTE PILES – Rule 4.10 and 4.11 Drainage Control; Surface <br />Stabilization; Placement: <br /> Both the II West and West Valley Fill refuse disposal areas wer e inspected and no problems were <br />identified. Development waste piles were present on the II West Coal Refuse facility in preparation for <br />compaction. Both disposal areas have well vegetated lower outslopes and are stable with no signs of erosion or <br />slumpi ng (photo 4). <br /> <br />ROADS – Rule 4.03 Construction 4.03.1(3)/4.03.2(3) Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4) Surfacing and <br />Maintenance4.03.1(5) and (6)/4.03.2(5) and (6) Reclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): <br /> The Elk Creek Haul Road and Bear Creek Road were inspected. All areas of the mine site were <br />accessible. Road surfaces were mostly dry with the exception of a few wet/muddy spots on Bear Creek Road. <br />This is most like due to recent rain showers and increased traffic associated with the hunting lodge at the top of t he <br />canyon. Several sumps are in place along the Elk Creek Haul road ditches for runoff and sediment control. These <br />are functioning properly and well maintained. <br /> <br />REVEGETATION – Rule 4.15 Vegetative Cover; Timing: <br /> The vegetation on the reclaimed Bear C reek cut -across road, overall looked very good. The southern end <br />of the road had dense vegetation growing through the woody debris piles (photo 5). Dense stands of tumble <br />mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) were present with an understory of perennial grasse s. In many places where the <br />backfill was removed for reclamation, scrub oak trees are re -sprouting (photo 6). Vegetation was thin on the south <br />facing slopes and some thistles will need to be treated early next season . <br /> <br />SIGNS AND MARKERS – Rule 4.02: <br /> Th e main ID sign was in place at the main entrance. Topsoil signs were properly displayed at all topsoil <br />piles that were inspected. Surface disturbance boundary markers were in place along the Elk Creek drainage and <br />the II West refuse pile. <br />