_INSPECTION - C1981012 (15) - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 2,2013 C-1981-012/New Elk Mine LDS 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: Towards the western end of the mine site: • Previously,Mr Steele had 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.At the time of the inspection all three sections were still in place,although a trench had been excavated to bypass the downstream section(see photo 1).Although this system will continue to pass storm water,the trench has not been approved and should be seen as a temporary measure. The two sections of culvert should be removed and the permit updated,or the area should be restored and maintained.Level 2. • The clean water diversion ditch to the west of the west fan,D30,had been cleared of some shrubs in the channel, and the design dimension at the outlet had been restored. • The outlet of C23 had been cleared. • Machinery and equipment continues to encroach into ditch D5 and also outside of the area protected by the ditch(see photo 2),compromising the function and integrity of the ditch.Level 2. • The inlet to clean water culvert C3 had been cleared out,but the outlet was partially blocked(see photo 3). Level 2. • The SAE at the water tanks was in generally good shape. Straw bales had been replenished,but a couple of low spots in the berm still need to be built up, as mentioned in October(see photos 4-6). Level 3. On the north side of the highway: • The upland diversion ditch above the RDA had been regraded and the culverts C75 and C76 had been removed and trash had been cleared(see photos 7-9). The ditch now appears to be better able to deal with a large rain event,however,it must still be surveyed and certified by a professional engineer as part of the next RDA quarterly inspection report. Photo 9 also shows the access that was improved from the power pole to remove C76. • The cell phone tower pad had been seeded and baled/bermed in preparation for permitting as an SAE. • The lower(power pole)pad,to the north of the cell phone tower,had been graded and bermed/baled, although runoff from here will remain within the disturbed area and there is no need to permit this lower pad as an SAE. • On the east side of the RDA the highest elevation culvert (unlabelled)had been removed. • The large clean water culvert C41 under the conveyor was partially caved in(see photo 20) and the outlet was 75%blocked. Table 21 in the permit specifies the minimum diameter for this culvert as 48", restoring or replacing it should therefore be considered a matter of top priority.Mr Steele said that he thinks that the culvert is in two sections and it could be that only the first is crushed. It would be very helpful if NECC would document the excavation and repair of this area with photos before the area is filled.Level 1. Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 4 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 2 Page 3 of 10