2012-09-05_INSPECTION - C1994082

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Culvert VB -3 was in good working order. Rip -rap installed from the outlet to the edge of an oak scrub area was functioning as designed; no erosional features were observed. Perennial vegetation is established within the rip- rapped channel. Topsoil Stockpile C was well vegetated and properly marked with a metal sign. This topsoil was not needed during mine reclamation because the roads and Pond 10 are being retained permanently. SCC plans to submit a permit revision application to designate this stockpile as a permanent structure. We attempted to measure the height of the stockpile with the laser rangefinder, but were unsuccessful in getting an accurate reading. Topsoil in Stockpile I was used for reclamation. Its former location was observed to have plentiful vegetation established when viewed from the road. NOTE: This area is not part of this bond release request. The former dragline assembly / disassembly area is well vegetated and drainage channels are well - established and functional. Wildlife exclosures in the area encourage woody vegetative growth. SCC installed geotextile fabric to stabilize areas were rills had formed. A small slump is also present in this area. The slump does not appear to have moved recently. The Colorado Geological Survey previously recommended that SCC monitor the area to determine if it is stable in its current configuration or if it should be repaired (see photo 7969). SCC installed plunge pools above Channel YPM -8 to slow the velocity of water in the drainage channel below. Previous to this work, running water would routinely wash out this slope and affect the undisturbed area below. This created deep gullies, uprooted perennial vegetation, and affected wildlife habitat. Vegetation has reestablished within the affected area, and is taking hold along the slope. This drainage system was stable at the time of inspection. Ms. Burgmaier measured the road width twice in this area; it measured 14 and -18 feet across. Light Use Road 3B (LU -3B) was in good condition. We drove this just beyond YPM -4 -1, to a point which overlooks Pond 13. This road appeared to be in good functional condition, although the crossing at YPM -2 was very steep and could benefit from re- grading soon. We did not have a closeout meeting, however Ms. Burgmaier thoroughly explained our observations throughout the inspection and the problem areas noted above that need to be repaired (or excluded from bond release) prior to DBMS issuing a proposed decision for this bond release. Prior to this inspection, DBMS and SCC agreed that certain areas of the original application were to be excluded from this bond release action, These areas include the Pond 012 watershed, Pond 013, and Pond 014. No compliance issues were noted and no enforcement actions were taken as a result of this inspection.