2014-12-19_REVISION - C1980005 (2)

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Release Block (referred to as BRB -5). Seed mixes used were in accordance with the approved mixes. All lands requested in the current Phase III bond release application, SL -06, have been approved for Phase I and H bond release during SL -01, SL -02, SL -03, or SL -05. Final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetation success for vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, species diversity and woody plant density on lands designated as BRB -5. The condition of the permanent impoundment, Pond 008, within the SL -06 bond release area was evaluated at the time of the bond release. The reclaimed landscape was evaluated for evidence of erosional features. SCC proposes a termination of jurisdiction of Permit No. C- 1980 -005. Evaluation of the post - mining land use of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat was considered during the Division's review. Impacts to the quality of surface water and ground water were analyzed during the Division's review of the SL -06 bond release application. III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS The initial bond release inspection for this bond release application (SL -06) was conducted on August 13, 2014. During the inspection, the majority of the BRB associated with SL -06 was observed to allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements. Geo- rectified maps and GPS were utilized to verify location of permanent features and to record field data relevant to specific site locations. In addition, relevant documentation developed over the life of the operation, including information from operator annual reports and prior Division inspection reports, has also been utilized in the compliance evaluation. Such documentation is referenced in this section as appropriate. The inspection review for the SCC SL -06 included a review of the Phase I bond release inspection report for SL -01 and the Phase H bond release inspection reports for SL -03 and SL -05, which applied to all of the lands included in the Seneca II SL -06 application. The Seneca H Mine SL -01 Phase I bond release inspection report was issued August 24, 2006, based on an inspection conducted August 7, 2006 through August 11, 2006. Maintenance problems noted in the Seneca II SL -01 inspection were checked during the Seneca H SL -05 inspection. The problems identified in the Seneca II SL -01 inspection were found to have been addressed. During the SL -05 inspection, maintenance problems noted and repaired were observed and found to be stable. Noxious and invasive vegetation continues to be present at low levels throughout the BRB. Weeds that have historically been of concern and continue to be the focus of control efforts on the Seneca II site include Canada thistle (Breea arvensis), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and whitetop (Cardaria draba). The operator's weed management program has been successful in reducing the densities of these species and minimizing expansions of populations. No noxious or invasive weed infestations or patches of weeds were observed during the inspection. As of the date of the August 13, 2014 inspection, the approved water monitoring program was in place. Groundwater monitoring wells GW -S41 -W and GW- S4I -LW 1 were in place and had not been abandoned or sealed at the time of the inspection. Technical Revision No. 53 to the Seneca H Mine permit requested the termination of the water monitoring program for the Seneca II Mine and was approved on October 2, 2014. SCC sealed and abandoned the wells on October 7, 2014 and abandonment reports were received by the Division on October 7, 2014. A follow -up inspection was conducted on October 15, 2014 to observe abandonment work on areas