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Impacts to the quality of surface water and groundwater were analyzed during the Division's review <br />of the SL -04 bond release application. <br />III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />The bond release inspection was conducted on August 3rd, 2017. During the inspection, all areas associated <br />with SL -4 were observed to allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements. Geo - <br />rectified maps and GPS were utilized to verify location of features and record relevant field data. <br />Additionally, documentation developed over the life of the operation, including annual reports and <br />inspection reports, were utilized to evaluate compliance. Noxious and invasive vegetation continues to be <br />present at low levels throughout the mine area. The operator's weed management program has been <br />successful in reducing the densities of and expansions of populations. <br />Permanent Pond 004 was holding water but not discharging at the time of the inspection. This pond <br />collects runoff as well as water from two long term spoil springs. These springs are sampled and regulated <br />through the PSCM NPDES permit. Pond 004 was in good condition, no erosional features were noted, <br />and outfalls were stable. Pond 004 is situated on land owned by the State of Colorado, and was approved <br />as permanent prior to the SL -4 bond release. The stock ponds within or immediately adjacent to Phase III <br />release area include T17, T20, T29, T32, T33, and T35. These are constructed in reclaimed areas and are <br />not primary sediment control structures. These permanent stock ponds provide water for livestock and <br />wildlife and will enhance the post -mining land use. <br />Roads E1, C, F, South Road, and Light Use Road have been approved as permanent infrastructure under <br />the Seneca II Mine. All roads were driven or walked during the inspection. Other than the noted and <br />repaired down -cutting along Road F, the roads were in good condition. Reclaimed road corridors were <br />walked during the inspection and were well vegetated and stable. All areas within the proposed 418 acres <br />to be released appear be stable and well vegetated with good cover and diversity. <br />Reveaetation Success <br />All areas requested for Phase III bond release per SL -4 have previously received Phase I and H bond <br />release. Previous Phase I and II bond releases for the requested bond release blocks were approved with <br />SL -1 associated with the Seneca II Mine (C-1980-005). Reclamation parcels were reclaimed between <br />1978 and 2005. Vegetation sampling was conducted during 2012 and 2014. All parcels have met the <br />minimum liability period as required by rule 3.02.3(2)(b). The approved post -mining land use is rangeland <br />and wildlife habitat. <br />Cover <br />Cover data was collected during the 2012 and 2014 growing seasons for the bond release and reference <br />areas. Sample adequacy was achieved for cover in both the bond release and reference areas for 2012 <br />and 2014. The cover reclamation standard uses a weighted average of the two reference areas. The <br />mountain brush area contributes 83% and the sagebrush area contributes 17% to the standard. A <br />complete description of determining revegetation success is detailed in Section 2.05.4 of the permit <br />starting on page 47 and in the SL -4 application. <br />The allowable plant cover in 2012 was 32.4% which exceeded the reclamation standard of 21.7% in a <br />C-2009-087 Page 7 of 14 <br />