2012-09-05_INSPECTION - C1994082

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During the inspection, we walked through large portions of the release request area to visually assess whether the reclamation complies with Colorado Rule 3.03. We made observations of AOC restoration, surface water runoff control, surface stability 1 erosion, and retained permanent structures as we walked along the road and through the areas that are part of this bond release proposal. AOC restoration observed throughout the reclaimed areas closely resembles the pre - mining Iandscape and blends well with surrounding undisturbed areas. The essential hydrologic functions recreated by the post mining channels resemble the pre - mining landscape, provide stability for surface water runoff and reclaimed slopes, and facilitate the post mining land use of rangeland. We took slope measurements in post- mining channels and reclaimed slopes, and measured road width at several sample points. The field inspection began at the Yoast Access Road entrance from County Road 27 and progressed onto Light Use Road 3A (LU -3A) and Light Use Road 3B (LU -313). These roads were previously haul roads. SCC has narrowed the haul roads by cutting the excess width and grading those areas to tie into adjacent undisturbed land. The roads have been approved for permanent retention as 20' wide access roads. We observed the following: Culvert YA -I and the associated drainage channel appeared in good functional condition. Vegetation is well- established in the channel and surrounding area. Culvert YA -2 appeared to be in good functional condition, with no washouts or erosion emanating from the outflow. An off - permit retention dam above this culvert's inlet (part of this drainage system) was stable and functioning as designed. Road width at this culvert measured 18 feet. Culvert YA -3 appears functional, although there was a minor downcut to the outflow. This is not concerning because perennial vegetation is well- established in the channel. The road width at this culvert measured 19 feet. Culvert YA -3a is fully functional, with the inlet and outlet having rip -rap and well - established perennial vegetation including shrubs (snowberry). The runout is currently stable with no erosional features. Culvert YA-4 is in good working order with perennial vegetation established at both the inlet and outlet. The topography of the Dragline Deadhead Route is consistent with the pre- mining topography and meets AOC requirements. SCC used this portion of the permit area to transport the dragline under power lines, but did not remove topsoil or mine coal here. Instead, they roughed the soil and re- seeded the disturbed area after the dragline transport was completed. While the Dragline Deadhead Channel meets AOC criteria, abundant noxious weed species (e.g. Orsium arvense) are present and should be controlled before a Phase II or III bond release application is submitted. A below -grade culvert is present under a rip -rap channel crossing (see photo 7964). In addition, SCC recently installed a French Drain to increase the stability to a section of this drainage that remained wet throughout the year. During this inspection this area was dry with no visual signs of instability. As we walked up the drainage from the French Drain towards the