2013-02-21_REPORT - C1982056 (3)

Home Browse Search

Key mining and related activities occurring during 2012 included: Y Ongoing development and longwall mining operations in the Western Mining District > Ongoing refuse placement activities in the Coal Refuse Disposal Expansion Area Y Ongoing expansion of rock -dust handling system to comply with new MSHA standards > Preparation and submittal of a Federal Lease Modification and a Lease by Application Y Completion of 2012 WMD exploration drilling program • Completion of slope repairs to 6MN Sedimentation Pond, toe drainage for 6MN Reservoir, and general site drainage maintenance and repairs > Ongoing coordination efforts with CPW to develop and implement a regional wildlife mitigation framework and plans > Permitted (w/USFS) and completed installation of flow - control structures on Last Chance Ditch (off - permit water right) Y Completed field studies and submitted FERC Preliminary Application Document for Trout Creek Reservoir Project > Coordinated with Historic Routt County and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps on restoration of Foidel Creek School All remaining surface structures and facilities at the Fish Creek Tipple were demolished during summer 2011, with the majority of the steel demolition debris being salvaged. Limited rough grading was also completed to stabilize the site and control surface runoff. Final grading, soil replacement, and revegetation seeding of the reclaimed areas were completed in early - summer 2012. No other backfilling, grading, or topsoil replacement occurred during 2012. TC prepared and submitted a Phase I Bond Release request (approval pending) for $312,891 covering approximately 15.3 acres, and including the facilities demolition for the former CYCC Office Building, and facilities demolition and reclamation of the 9 -Right and 18 -Right shaft sites and the Fish Creek Tipple facilities. There are several areas on the attached "2012 Annual Reclamation Report Disturbed Acreage" summary that are identified as "Reclaimed ". These areas have previously been regraded and stabilized with vegetation, however, TC has not pursued bond release for these areas due to the potential for re- disturbance in conjunction with required access and site maintenance activities. During 2012, TC contracted with Chemical Weed Control to complete reclamation seeding of a total of approximately 52 acres in the following areas. A summary of areas seeded and the approved seed mixes used, along with copies of the seed tags are attached: • Exploration Drill Sites • 15 -Left Road and Pad Areas • 16 -Left and 17 -Left Road and Soil Stockpile Areas • 18 -Left Pipeline Disturbance (reseed) • Fish Creek Road Disturbance • 6MN Sedimentation Pond Slope Repair and Reservoir Embankment • Northwest Slope of CRDA • CRDA Soil and Cover Material Stockpiles • 6 -Right Pipeline Disturbance • Pond G Outlet Ditch • Fish Creek Tipple Area and Middle Creek Soil Stockpile Area • 18 -Right Reclaimed Shaft Pad (reseed) • Miscellaneous Soil Stockpiles Under our ongoing noxious weed control program, TC and our contractor, ResourceLogic, completed noxious weed control spraying for both active and bond - released areas (approximately 100 acres), consistent with the approved Noxious Weed Control Plan (MR06 -206). Areas sprayed for weeds are shown on the 2012 Annual Reclamation Map. A spring spraying program (May -June) focused on control of white -top (hoary cress) houndstongue, and knapweed, using 2,4 -D, Escort, and LV -6. The fall spraying program (September- October) focused on control of thistle, any residual weeds, and toadflax, which had previously been found on the site only as small, isolated occurrences, using 2,4D in combination with Tordon, Telar, and Milestone. Spraying was also