2012-10-11_INSPECTION - C1981025

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Mine Site Inspection Mine Name: North Thompson Creek Mine Permittee: MINREC, Inc. Permit ID #: C- 1981 -025 Inspection Date: September 11, 2012 1:30 — 3:45 Inspection Type: Joint Complete Oversight Weather Conditions: Overcast building to rain, 60's, damp ground Participants: Christine Belka, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) #182 Jim Stark, Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) Zack Trujillo, DRMS This was a joint complete oversight inspection. MINREC representatives did not accompany us on the inspection. North Thompson Creek is a reclaimed underground coal mine. The majority of the permit area has been Phase III released. The remaining permit area consists of approximately 4 disturbed acres due to the need for passive treatment of mine discharge water. Portal #3 continually discharges water which requires treatment for elevated iron concentrations. Flow fluctuates between approximately 5 — 30gpm (average approximately l Ogpm) with approximately 3ppm iron. Hydrology: Mine discharge water from Portals #1 and #3 is routed through a series of ponds (Long Pond 4 Treatment Pond Tl 4 Treatment Pond T2, then stored in either Pond 9 or the Refuse Pile Pond outside the current permit area) and is stored for later use by the water right holder. Portals #1 and #3 were discharging approximately 5gpm each into the pond series at the time of inspection. Iron staining was evident along the first fifty feet of Long Pond but was not evident in the subsequent stretch of Long Pond or Treatment Ponds T1 or T2. Water was flowing into Treatment Ponds T1 and T2 through primary discharge structures. Both polishing ponds were in good condition with well - vegetated embankments. Pond T2 was discharging to Pond 9 during the inspection. Neither off -site holding pond was inspected due to inclement weather. Reclamation Success: This relatively small permit area is stable and well- vegetated. Thistle is establishing throughout the area and should be controlled. General Compliance: The permit area is in good condition and the passive water treatment system is functioning as designed. The mine identification sign has fallen off of its post and was lying on the ground. Mr. Stark placed it by the main gate, but the sign is faded and mostly illegible. This sign must be replaced and properly installed in accordance with Rule 4.02.1(1) and 4.02.2. Roads: The road running through this area was approved for permanent retention and Phase III released from the permit. This road is in good condition. Records Check: The following records were evaluated at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs: DRMS permit #C- 1981 -025 (issued 8/15/2008, expires 2013), midterm