_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (139)

Home Browse Search

MINESITE INSPECTION NARRATIVE 17 the reclaimed sections of the pile. Apparently UM cattle have also been grazing on the pile in the past. It is the operators responsibility to insure that the area is not grazed until the vegetation is well established. Erosion gullies exist on both the reclaimed and unreclaimed sections of the pile. These gullies are severe in some areas. The clean water diversion at the top of the pile does not continue around the pile but instead allows water to run across the face which has caused additional erosion. There is a tension crack across the face of the pile and below the area where the diversion ends. There are also numerous water seeps along the base of the pile in this area. Both the diversion and the gullies were addressed in an NOV issued by DMG. Another area of concern is a bend in Dutch Creek which is cutting into the bank supporting an area of the refuse pile. Currently, there is a vertical bank approximately 25 feet from the base of the pile that is being cut away by the creek. It is only a matter of time until part of the pile slides into the creek unless action is taken to change the channel of the creek away from this area. There are two sedimentation ponds up on the pile and one below. Pond 9B has severe erosion at the inlet and the inslope. DMG issued a NOV to address this erosion. Pond 9B was discharging into -pond 9A. Pond 006 was not discharging, but sediment in the pond has exceeded the capacity. Cleanout of the pond is planned for this summer, providing money is made available for the work. DMG issued an NOV addressing the sediment level. Pond 9A was not discharging either but it did contain water. There is some non-coal waste around the pond that needs to be removed. LOWER MINE FACILITIES The flume on Dutch Creek has eroded underneath and has started to collapse. The operator has attempted to prevent the collapse by placing a section of metal framing and old tires under the structure. DMG issued a NOV prior to this inspection, which allows 90 days to repair the flume. A salvage crew has begun dismantling the facilities by removing the more valuable items first. The operator has indicated that the contract with the salvage crew requires the removal of all facilities, structures, equipment, and junk from the mine.