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IV. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br /> The following discussion of observations and findings focuses on the results of the construction of a <br /> permanent structure in support of the approved post-mining land use and drainage establishment for <br /> the portion of South Collection Ditch as requested in the SL-17 application. <br /> The evaluation of the bond release application included the bond release inspection, an office <br /> review of the permit requirements and regulatory criteria, and review of past inspection reports. <br /> The bond release inspection was conducted on November 13, 2019. Several items were reviewed <br /> by the Division during the technical evaluation of the bond release application before, during, <br /> and after the inspection, including: the post-mining topography and proper channel construction <br /> as approved by the Colowyo PAP. <br /> During the SL-17 Bond Release inspection,participants walked the bond release request area to <br /> allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements. <br /> Phase I,II, and III <br /> Phase I <br /> For SL-17, observations were made during the bond release inspection with regard to <br /> approximate original contour and stability of the constructed permanent diversion. To determine <br /> compliance with Colowyo's approved approximate original contour(AOC) in the SL-17 area, <br /> the Division navigated the entire South Collection Ditch with the GPS assistance of ESRI <br /> Collector. The area was also visually inspected to ensure the ditch was properly constructed with <br /> no issues present. During the inspection, no erosion was observed throughout the length of the <br /> South Collection Ditch and the ditch was stable with substantial vegetative growth. A game trail <br /> has formed along the top of the embankment, but has no impact on the stability and functionality <br /> of the ditch. The ditch conformed to the adjacent native undisturbed land. All surface runoff <br /> from lands that report to this portion of the South Collection Ditch is native undisturbed. <br /> Phase II <br /> As discussed earlier in this document, there are no topsoil or revegetation requirements for <br /> permanent structures. <br /> Phase III <br /> The post-mining land use at the Colowyo mine is rangeland and wildlife habitat. The Phase III <br /> Bond Release area requested with the SL-17 application was walked during the inspection as <br /> discussed. The South Collection Ditch has been retained as a permanent structure in support of the <br /> post-mining land use and conveys all surface runoff to the Prospect Pond. While Colowyo has not <br /> used the reclaimed lands for domestic livestock grazing,there is a large resident elk herd that uses <br /> the reclaimed lands extensively as observed during the inspection. Signs of elk tracks and bedding <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance December 18,2019 <br /> Partial Phase I,II and III Bond Release SL-17 Page 7 <br />