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identified. <br />During the October 6, 2016 bond release inspection, the bond release areas were observed. <br />Overall, the vegetation observed appears to correspond to the species and cover percentages <br />reported in the CCA vegetation report. Shrub species observed throughout the bond release <br />areas were primarily fourwing saltbush and shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia). An <br />understory of annual and perennial grasses and forbs was present. The Shadscale Reference <br />area vegetation observed during the inspection also appeared to be reflective of the vegetation <br />data in the CCA vegetation monitoring report. Shrub establishment was not as dominant in the <br />reference area. The dominant vegetation in the reference area appeared to be cheatgrass, an <br />annual species/noxious weed. Few erosional features were observed within the bond release <br />areas. <br />According to Tonya Hammond, the Pond 11 area (Area #4) was flooded in 2015 and the area <br />was reseeded in November of 2015. Small fourwing saltbush and shadscale saltbush plants <br />were observed under a thick over -story of some type of annual/biennial forb, likely kochia <br />(Kochia scoparia orBassia scoparia). Sparse perennial grasses and forbs were observed within <br />this parcel. The vegetation established in the Pond 11 area did not appear similar to the <br />surrounding reclaimed land or undisturbed land. Given this, the Division cannot make the <br />finding required by Rule 3.03.1(5) that vegetation cover must be similar to the reclaimed area <br />or surrounding undisturbed area for release of bond coverage for liability associated with <br />sediment control facilities such as the reclaimed Pond 11 impoundment. However, it was found <br />that topsoil was replaced on this parcel in accordance with the approved plan and that the <br />vegetation cover was adequate to control erosion. Based on these observations, the Division <br />proposes to withhold approval of Phase III bond release for the Pond 11 area but will approve <br />Phase II bond release on this parcel. <br />Based on the vegetation monitoring data submitted with the SL -09 application and the <br />observations made during the inspection, bond release areas #9, 10 and 11 have vegetation <br />established which supports the approved post -mining land use and which meets the approved <br />success standard for cover in accordance with Rule 3.03.1(2)(b) and are eligible for Phase II <br />bond release. These areas have not been reclaimed long enough to have completed the 10 -year <br />liability period, and thus are not eligible for Phase III bond release at this time. <br />Bond release areas #1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 are subject to the bond release requirements of Rule <br />3.03.1(5) for temporary drainage control and sediment control facilities including <br />impoundments and conveying systems. In terms of vegetation cover, the Division fords that <br />these parcels have vegetation established that is similar to the reclaimed area or surrounding <br />undisturbed area. In addition to this, these areas were sampled by CCA and the results indicate <br />these areas meet the revegetation success standards for vegetation cover. <br />Pond 8 (Area #7) <br />The post -mine land use of the Pond 8 area is industrial and commercial use. In accordance with <br />Rule 4.15.10(3), SCC has submitted a written letter in Tab 7 of the SL -09 application from the <br />landowner waiving the vegetation requirements of Rule 4.15.10(2). This letter has already been <br />C-1981-041, SL -09 Findings Document Page 9 of 79 <br />