_INSPECTION - C1981022 (4) - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 19, 2012 C-1981-022/Elk Creek Mine BFB Jim Kiger explained that each month sediments ponds are visually inspected to determine sediment volume. The sediment ponds were cleaned this past summer. The sediment was removed from the pond and placed in the East Yard Pond to dry. It usually takes a couple of months for the sediment to dry at which time it was moved to the refuse pile where it was handled and treated with the rest of the mine refuse. The upper sections of the Elk Creek facility areas all drain to Pond D with the exception of the topsoil stockpile which is an SAE. Clean water diversion ditches surround the facility areas and catch water runoff from the slopes above the facility areas and directs it to Elk Creek. Elk Creek is diverted through a series of culverts under the mine facility areas and discharges next to Pond B before it flows under the railroad and Highway 133 and then to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The Elk Creek culvert outlet was clear during this inspection. The lower sections of the facility areas drain to Pond B with the exception of the main haul road which is also an SAE. The loadout area drains to Pond Al. The Hubbard Creek Fansite uses an existing sediment pond for water treatment that is a remnant of the old Blue Ribbon Mine site. OTHER(SPECIFY): The methane fueled electrical generating station was being constructed at the time of this inspection. This area is not within the jurisdiction of the Division except for the methane well and pumping station which feeds the generating station. PROCESSING WASTE/COAL MINE WASTE PILES—Rule 4.10 and 4.11❑ Drainage Control; Surface Stabilization; Placement: The West Valley and II West Coal Refuse Piles did not have settling cracks and appeared to be stable. ROADS —Rule 4.0311 Construction 4.03.1(3)/4.03.2(3)❑ Drainage 4.03.1(4)/4.03.2(4)❑ Surfacing and Maintenance4.03.1(5)and(6)/4.03.2(5) and(6)❑ Reclamation 4.03.1(7)/4.03.2(7): The main Elk Creek haul road was well maintained and passable. The parking lot and access roads were well maintained and passable. RECLAMATION SUCCESS -Rule 4.15, Rule 3: A flock of sheep heavily grazed the Hubbard Creek Fansite within the last week according to Jim Kiger. Most of the vegetation had gone to seed and was already dormant for the season. SUPPORT FACILITIES -Rule 4.04: South of the electrical generating station a substation was constructed within the Elk Creek Mine disturbance boundary(photo 3). The Division was not aware of its construction and it was not permitted. NOV CV-2012-008 is being issued for failure to permit and submit a reclamation bond for the substation. The station was constructed between the topsoil stockpile access road and the hillside. Runoff from this station was directed to pond D. The outslope of the pad was well protected with erosion matting and straw waddles and appeared to be stable. No erosion was observed. TOPSOIL—Rule 4.0611 Removal 4.06.2; Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4); Storage and Protection 4.06.3, Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 1 Page 3 of 6