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range site C parcels may be lumped in a primarily range site A and/or B bond release block. When bond <br />release blocks are comprised of range site A, B and C areas, cover and production standards for range site <br />A will be applied to the block relative to demonstrating reclamation success (permit section 4.4.1.5). The <br />topsoil replacement depth requirements on rangeland is 12 inches plus or minus 2 inches (permit page 4- <br />256). All lands requested in the current Phase III bond release application, SL -17, have received Phase H <br />bond release during SL -09 (December 2, 2008), SL -12 (March 27, 2012), and SL -16 (January 21, 2015). <br />SEDCAD evaluation of sediment production and yield was approved with Phase II bond release. These <br />demonstrations show current reclamation conditions will yield equivalent or lesser sediment contributions <br />to runoff compared to pre -mining levels. <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />Rule 3.03.1(2)(c) states that the final portion of performance bond, "shall be released when the permittee has <br />successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with this approved <br />reclamation plan, and the final inspection procedures of 3.03.2 have been satisfied. This shall not be before <br />the expiration of the period specified for revegetation responsibility in 3.02.3." Rule 3.03.1(4) states, " No <br />bond shall be fully released until all reclamation requirements of these Rules and the Act are fully met...". <br />The same rule goes on to state, "No acreage shall be released from the permit area until all surface coal mining <br />and reclamation operations on that acreage have been completed in accordance with the approved reclamation <br />plan." <br />Trapper Mining, Inc. provided in the application documentation of the seed mixtures planted for each <br />parcel. Seed mixes used were in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. All lands requested in <br />the current Phase III Bond release application (SL -17) have been approved for Phase I and II bond release. <br />Final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, species diversity <br />and woody plant density on lands designated as range A and B. On lands designated as range site C, final <br />reclamation success was evaluated for vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity and diversity. The <br />reclaimed landscape was evaluated for evidence of erosional features. TMI has not requested elimination <br />of the SL -17 bond release area from the permit boundary area at this time. Evaluation of the post -mining <br />land use was considered during the Division's review of the bond release applications. The specific <br />parcels within SL -17, the seed mix used, verified topsoil depths, and the dates of previous Phase I and II <br />bond releases are listed in Table 2. <br />Trapper Mine Page 6 November, 2016 <br />Phase III Bond Release (SL -17) <br />