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liability period". In regard to Phase II bond release,Rule 3.03.1(3)(b) also states, "No more than sixty <br /> (60)percent of the bond shall be released so long as the lands to which the release would be applicable <br /> are contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of premining <br /> levels as determined by baseline data or in excess of levels determined on adjacent nonmined areas;until <br /> soil productivity for prime farmlands has returned to equivalent levels of yield as nonmined land of the <br /> same soil type on the surrounding area under equivalent management practices as determined from the <br /> soil survey performed under 2.04.12 and 2.06.6 and success determination methodology of <br /> 4.25.5(3)(a);" <br /> The operator has requested Phase II bond release on 132.4 acres. Of the requested Phase II acres,three <br /> parcels,totaling 11.7 acres,have a post-mining land use of dryland pasture,one parcel comprising 12.9 <br /> acres is approved for irrigated pasture, and the remaining parcel,comprising 107.8 acres is approved to <br /> have a post-mining land use of irrigated cropland. The entire parcel of irrigated cropland is considered <br /> Prime Farmland. None of the areas requested for release are considered Alluvial Valley Floor. <br /> Section 2.05.4 of the permit describes the required reclamation plan for the various post-mining land <br /> uses. The irrigated cropland parcel is also referred to as the Morgan property. 107.4 acres have been <br /> reclaimed to a post-mining land use of irrigated cropland. Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-7 in the permit <br /> describes the designs for the irrigation system. A center pivot irrigation system, along with side-roll and <br /> big guns have been installed on the reclaimed irrigated cropland parcel. The irrigated cropland has been <br /> planted to alfalfa crop,with a minor grass component. To mitigate differential settling of the field,the <br /> landowner will fill low spots as necessary during their crop rotation. <br /> In accordance with Rule 3.03(3)(b) and Rule 4.25.5(3)(a),prime farmlands are eligible for phase II <br /> vegetation success when crop production data is presented for a minimum of 3 years. The operator has <br /> provided topsoil replacement data. The Division can evaluate the topsoil replacement success, as well as <br /> phase II productivity, and soil erosion demonstration. <br /> Prime Farmland: Soil productivity on prime farmland shall be considered successful when the adjusted <br /> three year average annual crop yield is equivalent, or higher than,the average yield of the reference crop, <br /> Rule 4.25.5(3)(c), and Permit Section 2.06.6. <br /> Irrigated Pasture Standard: Revegetation will be deemed adequate if vegetation cover and at the <br /> reclaimed site is at least 90% of the vegetative cover at the reference area. State listed noxious weed <br /> species and all annual and biennial plants will not be counted toward the revegetation success <br /> standard for Irrigated Pasture cover or production in any reclaimed or reference areas. <br /> Dryland Pasture Revegetation Success Criteria Revegetation will be deemed adequate if vegetation <br /> cover at the reclaimed site is at least 90% of the vegetative cover at the reference area, in agreement <br /> with Rule 4. 15. 8. One of the three statistical comparison methods in Rule 4. 15. 11(2) subsections <br /> (a), (b), or( c)will be used, according to the procedures list in this Subsection 6. 4. <br /> Sedimentolo y: <br /> For Irrigated Pasture,Dryland Pasture and Irrigated Cropland,the operator will demonstrate that parcels <br /> requested for Phase II bond release have achieved erosion control at least equal to pre-mining levels,and <br /> Permit Number C1981-008:SL22 Page 6 of 17 <br />