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on the uphill side of the channel which has been repaired in the past. PM-10 should be reconstructed <br />to a trapezoidal configuration with appropriately placed riprap to allow water to flow into the channel <br />more easily. Photographs of upper PM-10 are shown in Photograph Numbers 12 and 13. This <br />portion of the upper PM-10 channel should be reconstructed and will be excluded from the Phase I <br />bond release. <br />One impoundment was included in the bond release request azea (Sediment Pond O11A). SCC has <br />not requested that this pond be retained as permanent and the pond has not been reclaimed. <br />Therefore, this pond is not applicable to the Phase I bond release and will be excluded. If SCC <br />decides to retain this pond in the future, SCC must submit a permanent pond demonstration in <br />accordance with Rule 4.05.9 (13) and obtain written land owner approval for permanent retention of <br />this pond. Otherwise, Pond O11A should be reclaimed and the azea graded and revegetated. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the Phase I bond release request submitted by <br />SCC for the Yoast Mine. Based on observations made during this and previous inspections, the <br />reclaimed azeas have been restored to the approximate original contour of the pre-mining landscape. <br />The present surface configuration achieved by backfill and grading of the mined azeas resembles the <br />general surface configuration of the land prior to mining. Pre-mining drainages have been <br />reconstructed at the appropriate locations and density. <br />Seven specific areas as described in this document and shown on the Site Map and Zoom Area Map <br />Attachment do not meet the criteria for Phase I bond release. These azeas are referred to as: the Light- <br />Use Road, Sediment Pond O11A, PM-13, upper portion of PM-10, settlement crack along former <br />highwall, old scraper road above and west of PM-13, and the long gully beginning northwest of the <br />shrub plot and extending down to Armand Draw. Based upon a review of the mine permit, the <br />applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, the Division finds that SCC has completed <br />backfilling, grading and drainage reestablishment in accordance with the approved reclamation plan at <br />all other locations of the North Pit for which Phase I bond release was requested. With exception of the <br />seven excluded locations, backfilled and graded azeas and reconstructed drainages throughout the <br />remainder of the North Pit remain in good condition. Monitoring and ongoing maintenance will be <br />needed on limited areas that are in addition to the seven excluded azeas as noted previously in this <br />document and in the Phase I inspection report. <br />Corrective actions will be necessary to secure bond release in the future for the seven excluded azeas <br />detailed in this Findings of Compliance document. SCC should submit a plan for Division review <br />and approval for these locations. The light use road and Pond O11A have not been approved as <br />permanent features; appropriate demonstrations should be submitted for Division approval otherwise <br />these features should be fully reclaimed. Postmine Drainage Channel PM-13 and a portion of PM-10 <br />will need to be rebuilt to the approved design specifications. Erosional instability noted at the former <br />highwall, old scraper road location above and to the west of PM-13, and the long gully on the <br />northwest side of the North Pit should be filled, regraded, or otherwise stabilized. <br />