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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 /> areas were observed along and around the ditch area. There are also several smaller herds of deer <br /> and pronghorn that use the reclaimed area as well. The wildlife use includes grazing(including <br /> winter grazing),bedding and calving areas. <br /> For the South Collection Ditch, the Division finds that the Colowyo Mine has achieved a post- <br /> mining surface that conforms to the approved post-mining topography, resembles the general <br /> surface configuration of the land prior to mining, and supports the approved post-mining land <br /> use. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the SL-17 partial Phase I, H and III Bond <br /> Release application submitted by Colowyo for the Colowyo Mine. The Division proposes to <br /> approve this Partial Phase I, II, III Bond Release on 0.4 acres for portion of the South Collection <br /> Ditch. Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, and site <br /> inspections,the Division finds that Colowyo has completed drainage reestablishment with the <br /> approved post-mining topography that resembles the general surface configuration of the land <br /> prior to mining, and supports the approved post-mining land use. The South Collection Ditch <br /> conforms to post-mining contours as shown on the approved Postmining Topography Map of the <br /> PAP (Map 19 and 19B) and was stable at the time of the inspection. The Division finds that <br /> Colowyo has achieved the requirements for partial Phase 1, II and III Bond Release at the <br /> Colowyo Mine. <br /> V. PROPOSED DECISION <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance December 18,2019 <br /> Partial Phase I,II and III Bond Release SL-17 Page 8 <br />