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within the affected area throughout the mining and reclamation process. Reviews of water quality <br />data indicate that operations at the loadout have not had a deleterious impact on the hydrologic <br />functions. <br />In addition to protection of the hydrologic functions, agricultural productivity must be reestablished for <br />alluvial valley floors (Rule 3.03.1(3)(b)). On August 4, 2004 Linda Craven, Soil Scientist with the <br />Natural Resources Conservation Service, sampled the soils of the Southfield loadout and the adjacent <br />undisturbed lands. Her conclusions and those discussed in a follow up letter from Roy Roper of <br />NRCS on August 25, 2004 indicate that the soils of the loadout and the adjacent undisturbed areas are <br />similar and would both support agricultural functions. <br />In conclusion, the Division finds that the AVF functions have been restored. <br />SUSPENDED SOLIDS DEMONSTRATION <br />The SL -03 application contained a sediment demonstration, utilizing the RUSLE equation, to <br />illustrate that the contribution of suspended solids to streamflow outside the permit areas is not <br />greater for the reclaimed area than adjacent non -mined areas. After adequacy items were addressed, <br />this demonstration met that objective and the requirements of Rule 3.03.1(3)(b). <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 Energy Fuels Coal, Inc. has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved <br />reclamation plan. Energy Fuels Coal, Inc. has established vegetation which supports the approved post <br />mine land use and meets the approved success standard for vegetative cover. The Division finds that the <br />reclaimed area subject to this bond release is not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff <br />outside the permit area in excess of premining levels or in excess of adjacent nonmined areas. <br />' . EX3 11 <br />REVEGETATION <br />Vegetation sampling criteria are discussed above in the Criteria and Schedule for Bond Release. An <br />overview of the sampling methodology is presented in the Phase II portion of these Observations and <br />Findings. Additional detail regarding both criteria and methodology can be found in the PAP and <br />SL -03 application. <br />EFCI met or exceeded the reclamation success standards for the reclaimed areas for 2013 and 2014. <br />Allowable cover, forage productivity, woody plant density and plant species diversity were all found <br />to meet or exceed the reclamation standards. <br />Southfield Mine SL -03 Page 18 of 21 February 23, 2016 <br />