Laserfiche WebLink
the elevation is 7262.9'. Thus, a correction of approximately +28.8 feet is necessary to make <br />comparisons of elevation data. The elevation data was corrected and post -processed. <br />The elevation data collected by the Division was compared to elevation information provided in <br />the SL -09 Bond Release application. After the correction described above, all elevation points <br />taken by the Division were found to be an average of +17 feet of the as -built elevations, shown <br />on SL -09 Exhibits 1 and 2. Given the expanse of the mine site and the steepness of the terrain at <br />Colowyo, as well as the error contributed by the use of the Trimble Yuma, the difference in <br />elevation is acceptable. <br />For the West Pit, the Division finds that the Colowyo Mine has achieved a post -mining surface <br />that conforms to the approved post -mining topography and resembles the general surface <br />configuration of the land prior to mining. All highwalls have been eliminated and the reclaimed <br />lands blend in well with the adjacent undisturbed slopes. No settling, slumping or cracking of the <br />backfill were noted in the partial Phase I Bond Release area. Rills were observed along the <br />northern portion of the reclamation due to the formation of minor seeps along the slope. <br />Colowyo has stated that best management practices will be used to reduce and eliminate future <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the SL -09 partial Phase I Bond Release <br />application submitted by Colowyo for the Colowyo Mine. The Division proposes a Partial Phase I <br />Bond Release on 65.6 acres. <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site <br />inspections, the Division finds that Colowyo has completed backfilling, grading, and drainage <br />reestablishment at the Colowyo Mine in accordance with the approved reclamation plan for which <br />partial Phase I Bond Release was requested. The reclaimed area included within the SL -09 bond <br />release request have been restored to the approximate original contour of the pre -mining <br />landscape. Slopes conform to post -mining contours as shown on the approved Postmining <br />Topography Map of the permit (Map 19 and 19B) and appear to be stable. Proper blending of <br />reclaimed areas with undisturbed slopes was achieved, and reconstructed drainages are <br />stabilizing and in good condition. The Division finds that Colowyo has achieved the <br />requirements for partial Phase I Bond Release on 65.6 acres at the Colowyo Mine. <br />V. PROPOSED DECISION <br />Based on the observations in Section IV above, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and <br />Safety proposes to approve Colowyo's request for a partial Phase I Bond Release for the Colowyo <br />Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant from liability for backfilling, grading, and <br />drainage control reestablishment on 65.6 acres of the site, as shown on Figure 3 at the end of this <br />document. <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance September 2016 <br />Partial Phase I Bond Release SL -09 Page 6 <br />