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Observations <br />Backfilling and grading, topsoiling, and reseeding at the portion of the West Pit proposed for <br />Phase I release were all conducted in the summer and fall of 2015. In general, the surface of the <br />reclaimed slope was stable. (Figures 1 and 2). All highwalls have been eliminated and no settling <br />or slumping of the backfill was observed. Minor rilling was noted at two separate points with <br />approximate grades of 20% and 28%, respectively (Figures 3 and 4). This was brought to the <br />attention of Mr. Tennyson who explained the rills had very recently appeared due to several <br />cycles of snowfall and runoff. Mr. Tennyson suggested, and the Team agrees, that to repair the <br />rills with heavy equipment at this point would be premature, due to the unavoidable surface <br />redisturbance that would occur. <br />The Team noted several on -contour drainage furrows at approximately 2% grade incorporated in <br />the post mine topography to interrupt and redirect erosive sheetflow (Figure 5). DBMS verified <br />postmine topography by collecting elevation point readings at 13 points along four separate <br />transects within the parcel. These readings indicate an average of 17 feet over the as -built <br />elevations which is acceptable given the size of the mine, steepness of terrain, and the Trimble <br />Yuma's inherent margin of error. <br />Conclusion <br />The backfilling, regrading, and drainage reestablishment observed blended well with the <br />surrounding topography and support the post mine land use of rangeland. With the exception of <br />the minor rilling noted above, the subject reclamation displayed surface stability and drainage <br />control. These rills will be monitored by Tri-State and evaluated during their annual rill and gully <br />survey later this month. To repair the rilling at this point would create more surface disturbance <br />than it In the case of enlargement, repair work will be performed. In either case, at this time these <br />minor rills are not of a significance that would interfere with the Phase I bond release requested <br />by Tri-State under SL -9. The OSMRE representative recommends approval of Phase I bond <br />release on the entire 65.6 acre parcel inspected this day. <br />C. DRMS; Denver, Colorado <br />Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc; Denver, Colorado <br />