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<br />In response to the Division adequacy comments, SCC provided the following: <br /> <br /> TSS data for Pond 005 showing that CDPS criteria (average and maximum) were not <br />exceeded for this pond. <br /> <br /> TSS data for Sage Creek upstream of points 015 and 009. This data shows that TSS <br />concentrations in the creek above the mine are significantly higher than concentrations in <br />discharges. <br /> <br /> Pond survey data showing that sediment loads to the ponds have been very small in the past <br />five years. <br /> <br /> Vegetation data showing that ground cover values are good, leading to reduced erosion in <br />the watersheds. <br /> <br /> Modeling results (from SEDIMOT II and SEDCAD) showing very low levels of sediment <br />loads from both the pre-mining and post-mining areas. <br /> <br />While the modeling data provided by SCC does not show that post-mining sediment loads are less <br />than pre-mining loads, it does show much lower loads from post-mining (after vegetation growth) <br />than from the condition during mining when little or no vegetation was present. Based on this fact, <br />and based on the other information provided by SCC, it is the professional judgment of Division staff <br />that sediment load quantities from the SL-05 areas would be equal to or less than the quantities of <br />sediment loads from adjacent nonmined areas. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site <br />inspections, the Division finds that SCC has replaced topsoil and established permanent vegetative <br />communities that support the post-mining land use in accordance with the approved reclamation <br />plan. SCC demonstrated that the reclaimed lands are not likely contributing suspended solids loads <br />outside the permit area in excess of adjacent nonmined areas. <br /> <br />2 <br />