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Peabody Sage Creek Mine <br />SL -3 Phase III Bond Release Request <br />July 2014 <br />PHASE III BOND RELEASE DOCUMENTATION <br />This application represents a formal request for Phase III Bond Release at PSCM of 1,028 acres <br />of reclaimed lands (see Map 1). These reclaimed lands comply with applicable success and <br />demonstration criteria set forth in Rule 4 — Performance Standards and the approved PSCM <br />permit. The amount of Phase III bond to be released will be calculated by CDRMS. <br />Summary of Reclamation and Management History <br />Reclamation (i.e., topsoil replacement and revegetation) was initiated in 1977 and continued <br />through 1995 in the Phase III request area. This activity is documented in the Annual <br />Reclamation Reports. Revegetation history and topsoil depth replacement information are <br />included in the approved SL -3 Phase II bond release application for the Seneca II mine. <br />Topsoil Replacement and Vegetation Establishment. Previously approved Phase II <br />bond release applications (SL -3) covering the area included in this Phase III application <br />have demonstrated proper topsoil replacement depths and establishment of vegetation. <br />Reclamation management has been a continuing effort that includes: <br />Rill and Gully Maintenance. Spring rill and gully surveys are conducted to identify <br />erosional features resulting from spring snowmelt and runoff. The survey results are <br />portrayed on maps and submitted to the Division, which has been followed up by on -the- <br />ground maintenance and repairs to rectify identified areas found in the survey and <br />inspections. <br />Weed Control. Reclaimed areas and mine related disturbances, such as roadsides <br />and facilities, are monitored for noxious weed infestations. Monitoring is <br />conducted through the formal revegetation monitoring program or as qualitative <br />observations by Seneca II Mine reclamation personnel. If noxious weed infestations <br />occur at levels that may interfere with successful reclamation, or are detrimental to <br />reclaimed land quality, weed control is implemented. Application of herbicides has <br />been carried out through two primary agents, outside services or PSCM Reclamation <br />Department personnel. <br />n <br />