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inspection, bond release areas # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 had vegetation cover that was adequate to <br />control erosion in accordance with Rule 3.03.1(5) (vegetation establishment was not required <br />for Pond 8/Area #7 due to its industrial/commercial post -mine land use). Also based on this <br />demonstration, areas #9, 10 and 11 are not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or <br />runoff outside the permit area in excess of adjacent undisturbed areas in accordance with Rule <br />3.03.1(3)(b). <br />Area #12 — North Mine Entries <br />No surface disturbance is associated with this .2 -acre parcel requested for Phase III bond <br />release. This area overlies underground workings. In accordance with a policy memorandum <br />dated April 13, 1987, the Division may release the reclamation liability for underground <br />workings only after all mining in this area is completed and the major subsidence effects, if <br />any, have manifested. Based on SCC annual reclamation reports, the North Portal area where <br />this feature is located was closed, the surface facilities removed, and the site reclaimed in 2002. <br />This area was observed during the October 6, 2016 inspection and no surface slumping or other <br />noticeable subsidence impacts were evident. <br />Completion of the Reclamation Plan and the Post -Mine Land Use <br />The approved post -mine land use for the bond release areas is Fish and Wildlife Habitat with <br />the exception of Pond 8 which is Industrial and Commercial. Based on the observations <br />discussed above, the Division finds that the bond release parcels have been backfilled and <br />graded, topsoiled and seeded in accordance with the approved plan. The vegetation established <br />on the bond release areas with a post -mine land use of Fish and Wildlife Habitat is similar to <br />the surrounding reclaimed or un -affected area and adequate to control erosion. The species <br />observed at the site consist of species that were used in the approved seed mixture which was <br />designed to establish vegetation to support the approved post -mine land use. These small <br />discrete parcels when considered as part of the larger reclaimed area should function in fulfilling <br />the post -mine land use. <br />Pond 8 is not required to have vegetation established on the site; however, the vegetation that <br />is on the site is nevertheless adequate to control erosion. As discussed above, this area is being <br />used as a storage area for the adjacent fruit stand and the approved post -mine land use of <br />industrial/commercial for this area has commenced. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site <br />inspections, the Division finds that SCC has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved <br />reclamation plan for the bond release areas #I through 6 and 9 through 11. Area #7/Pond 8 and <br />Area #8/Pond 9 do not have topsoil replacement requirements. SCC has established vegetation <br />which supports the approved post -mine land use and meets the approved success standard for <br />vegetative cover for the bond release block. The Division finds that the reclaimed area subject to <br />this bond release is not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit <br />area in excess of pre -mining levels or in excess of adjacent non -mined areas. Also, the Division <br />G1981-041, SL -09 Findings Document Page 11 of 79 <br />