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inspection on February 24, 2015 and the GPS data points were re- collected and was found to more <br />accurately represent the actual final topography. See the February 5 and 24, 2015 inspection reports for <br />details. <br />In summary, based on the data analysis from the data collected in the field and the observations made, <br />the reported post mine topography appears accurate and approximates the approved post mine <br />topography. CEC did not backfill as high in elevation as originally intended for areas 31 and 32, as the <br />top of the hill is about two to four feet lower and the side slopes are more gradual. The average slope of <br />the reclaimed parcels was found to be 2.2% based on the SL7, Figure 2 contour map. The average hill <br />slope of the reclaimed parcels based on the Appendix Q -1 approved topography is 2.7 %. On average, <br />the Division found the reported elevation to be about .53 feet higher than the approved elevations based <br />on the Appendix Q -1 map. The elevations measured during the February 24, 2015 inspection are very <br />similar to the elevations reported in the SL7 bond release application and on average were only .81 feet <br />higher than reported. Given this, the SL7 Figure 2 Map elevations appear accurate. Drainage has been <br />re- established on these parcels. Given the topography, water will flow as sheet flow to the east on the <br />east side of the bond release parcels and into the western drainage on the west side of the bond release <br />parcels as designed The western drainage was found to be constructed to allow for positive drainage to <br />the north. <br />In regards to items 42 through 8 listed above, slope failures or instabilities such as slumping or exposed <br />highwalls were not observed. Little to no erosional features such as rills or gullies were observed. <br />Swales and depressions were not observed. The reclaimed parcels blend in well with the surrounding <br />topography including regraded and undisturbed land. As discussed above, it appears that CEC has re- <br />established drainage on these parcels and the western drainage was stable and functional <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, <br />the Division finds that Coors Energy Company has completed backfilling, grading and drainage <br />reestablishment at the Keenesburg Strip Mine on Areas 32, 31 and 30 in accordance with the approved <br />reclamation plan. <br />IV. PROPOSED DECISION <br />Based on the observations above, the Division proposes to approve Coors Energy Company's request for <br />a Phase I bond release for the Keenesburg Strip Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant <br />from liability for backfilling, grading, and drainage reestablishment for Areas 32, 31 and 30 (27.1 acres). <br />PHASE <br />The Division holds a performance bond of $1,971,874.00 for the Keenesburg Strip Mine. The current <br />liability for the site is $1,971,874.00. The Division proposes to release $342,547.09. The minimum <br />amount that must be retained in accordance with Rule 3.03.1(3)(b) is $1,629,326.91. The remaining <br />$1,629,326.91 is sufficient to assure completion of the remaining reclamation work at the site if the work <br />had to be performed by the Division, including the cost of reestablishing vegetation on any revegetated <br />Page 6 of 8 <br />