2019-12-18_REVISION - C1981019 (13)

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no issues present. During the inspection, no erosion was observed throughout the length of the South Collection Ditch and the ditch was stable with substantial vegetative growth. A game trail has formed along the top of the embankment, but has no impact on the stability and functionality of the ditch. The ditch conformed to the adjacent native undisturbed land. All surface runoff from lands that report to this portion of the South Collection Ditch is native undisturbed. Phase II As discussed earlier in this document, there are no topsoil or revegetation requirements for permanent structures. Phase III The post-mining land use at the Colowyo mine is rangeland and wildlife habitat. The Phase III Bond Release area requested with the SL-17 application was walked during the inspection as discussed. The South Collection Ditch has been retained as a permanent structure in support of the post-mining land use and conveys all surface runoff to the Prospect Pond. While Colowyo has not used the reclaimed lands for domestic livestock grazing,there is a large resident elk herd that uses the reclaimed lands extensively as observed during the inspection. Signs of elk tracks and bedding areas were observed along and around the ditch area. There are also several smaller herds of deer and pronghorn that use the reclaimed area as well. The wildlife use includes grazing(including winter grazing),bedding and calving areas. For the South Collection Ditch, the Division finds that the Colowyo Mine has achieved a post- mining surface that conforms to the approved post-mining topography, resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining, and supports the approved post-mining land use. Summary and Conclusions The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the SL-17 partial Phase I, H and III Bond Release application submitted by Colowyo for the Colowyo Mine. The Division proposes to approve this Partial Phase I, II, III Bond Release on 0.4 acres for portion of the South Collection Ditch. Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections,the Division finds that Colowyo has completed drainage reestablishment with the approved post-mining topography that resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining, and supports the approved post-mining land use. The South Collection Ditch conforms to post-mining contours as shown on the approved Postmining Topography Map of the PAP (Map 19 and 19B) and was stable at the time of the inspection. The Division finds that Colowyo has achieved the requirements for partial Phase 1, II and III Bond Release at the Colowyo Mine. V. PROPOSED DECISION Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance December 18,2019 Partial Phase I,II and III Bond Release SL-17 Page 8