_INSPECTION - C1981012 (6) - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 16, 2012 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine LDS Some wood and blocks that were being stored in the explosives area should be moved (see photo 4). FISH and WILDLIFE—Rule 4.18 Tracks and scat of large mammals were evident all over the outer areas of the mine site. Various bird species were observed during the inspection. HYDROLOGIC BALANCE -Rule 4.05 Drainage Control 4.05.1, 4.05.2, 4.05.3; Siltation Structures 4.05.5, 4.05.6; Discharge Structures 4.05.7, 4.05.10; Diversions 4.05.4; Effluent Limits 4.05.2; Ground Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Surface Water Monitoring 4.05.13; Drainage—Acid and Toxic Materials 4.05.8; Impoundments 4.05.6, 4.05.9; Stream Buffer Zones 4.05.18: NECC is generally in compliance with the regulations and the provisions of its permit that protect the hydrologic balance. It must be stressed,however,that the timely maintenance of surface water and sediment control structures is critical to continued regulatory compliance;maintenance must not be conducted solely in response to inspection reports. A thorough survey of ponds, containments, small area exemptions (SAES), ditches and culverts was completed; the notes that follow reflect the sequence in which these structures were inspected. Identification of some culverts and ditches is complicated by the situation with the maps (see GENERAL MINE PLAN COMPLIANCE). Towards the western end of the mine site: • Mr Steele described plans to remove two of the three sections of clean water culvert C2 (the upstream section, and the section that exists under the railroad grade),leaving an open channel,to reduce maintenance. If the railroad were to be reinstated in the future, an improved culvert would be needed anyway. • C21 was clear. • The clean water diversion ditch to the west of the west fan, D30,needs to be cleared of some shrubs in the channel, and the design dimension at the outlet should be restored (see photos 1 and 2). • The outlet of C23 needs to be cleared(see photo 3). • Containment 2 was sound. • No work had yet begun on construction of the DWDA or soil storage area approved in TR-65. • At the time of the inspection the west fan was running. The gravel pads at the west fan and the slurry injection facility were in good condition,with no sign of excessive weed growth or erosion, and berms in position where necessary. • There was a little trash on the site (e.g. scrap aluminum in D28,branches near topsoil stockpile),currently there is no area identified for trash storage before disposal. Mr Thompson stated that non-coal waste is currently collected in dumpsters and hauled off site. • C53 was clear. • Containment 1 was sound. • Ditches D34/34b and culvert C27 were all clear. • Culverts C52 and C54 are shown on map 14—do they exist on the ground? This should be addressed in the mid-term permit review. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 2 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 Page 3 of 20