Laserfiche WebLink
Memo <br />To: <br />Clayton Wein <br />From: <br />Janet Binns <br />Date: <br />October 19, 2017 <br />Re: <br />Bowie No. 1 , C1981-038, SI -6 Vegetation Review <br />In accordance with Rules 3.03.1(3)(b) and 4.15.8(3)(a), I have reviewed Bowie Resources, <br />LLC's (BRL) application for a phase II bond release on 59.4 acres at the Bowie No. 1 Mine, <br />SI -6. <br />I used the SI -6 application, Bowie No. 1 Permit, Bowie No. 1 2016 Vegetation Report. 2008, <br />2009 and 2011 Annual Reclamation Reports, TR62, and Inspection reports from September 24, <br />2008 through October20, 2010, and the Division's Guideline Regarding Selected Coal Mine <br />Bond Release Issues (April 18, 1995). <br />There are two discrepancies that need clarifying: <br />SI -6 request Phase II bond release on 59.4 acres that were reclaimed in 2008, 2009 and <br />2011. Review of 2008, 2009 and 2011 Annual Reclamation Reports finds that only <br />44.76 acres (round up to 44.8 acres) were reclaimed during the stated years. Bowie <br />Resources needs to clarify the difference between the requested 55.4 acres and the <br />acreage reclaimed during the years requested for release. This is a 10.6 acre <br />difference. <br />2. The vegetation report appears that BR only conducted vegetation sampling on reclaimed <br />areas within the East Mine Bond Release Block. However, BRL is also requesting <br />Phase II bond release on 26 reclaimed drill hole pads within the permit area. Only holes <br />1, 2, 3 and 4 appear to fall within the sampled East Mine area. There is no evidence <br />submitted to the Division that the other reclaimed drill hole pads have been sampled for <br />vegetation success (holes 5-26). Please have BRL supply this information, or BRL <br />should remove the request for Phase II release on the reclaimed drill holes from this <br />application. <br />The Division has repeatedly recommended that operators have an informal meeting with the <br />Division prior to conducting vegetation sampling for the purposes of requesting bond release. <br />An informal meeting is helpful to assure that sampling is conducted in accordance with the <br />permit requirements and the Rules and Regulations. Based upon records found in the <br />Division's laserfiche system, and direct inquiry of other vegetation specialists in the office, Brock <br />