2016-12-30_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1996083

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was determined that the total disturbance area of the applicable bond release is 12.27 acres. The 12.27 acres consist of 29 boreholes and six associated roads. Evaluation and inspection of the reclaimed areas was based on the specific requirements of the reclamation plan and the functional requirements of the post-mining land use. Criteria for Phase I Bond Release included the following (if applicable). 1. Hillslope and drainage channel gradients and general design compliance; 2. Performance of the reconstructed topography. Symptoms of failure or instabilities such as slumping or exposed highwalls were examined; 3. Hillslope design/function with regard to erosion; 4. Swales and depressions with regard to numbers of features and effect on post-mining land use; 5. Blending of regraded land to undisturbed areas; 6. The functioning of drainages with regard to knick-points, blending at disturbance boundaries and channel erosion; 7. Erosional features; and 8. Drainage control; for the reclaimed area, including upslope diversions. The Bowie No. 2 Mine’s reclamation plan was prepared in accordance with Rule 2.05.4. PREVIOUSLY RELEASED SITES In addition to the disturbances associated with this SL-02 bond release application, a number of coal exploration sites have been bonded under the Bowie No. 2 Mine which were previously released under a Notice of Intent to Explore bond release approval. These sites will be removed from the Bowie No. 2 Mine liability as a part of this SL-02 bond release. The sites to be removed are identified in Table 4. III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS The bond release inspection for this bond release application was conducted on November 1, 2016. During the inspection, the methane drainage well pads and road disturbance associated with SL-02 were visually assessed for compliance with pertinent Phase I requirements. Relevant documentation developed over the life of the operation, including information from operator annual reports and prior Division inspection reports, has also been utilized in the compliance evaluation. Such documentation is referenced in this section as appropriate. The inspection review for SL-02 included a review of all drillhole abandonment reports associated with methane drainage wells requested to be released under SL-02. During the SL-02 bond release inspection, noxious or invasive vegetation management issues were noted on several disturbed areas and are referenced in the Division’s inspection report. No maintenance issues were noted that would prevent the release of the requested areas inspected.