2020-07-21_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981019

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reclamation parcel was also visually inspected to ensure the area was graded and blended in with the adjacent reclaimed areas. During the inspection, it was observed that general maintenance occurred along portions of the north slope of the requested area in SL-18 to repair small erosional features prior to the inspection. Rill maintenance is considered normal husbandry practice and no issues were observed with the inspected West Pit reclamation parcels. For comparison reasons, a known point was collected at the Colowyo Mine office to determine a correction factor for the elevation of the bond release areas collected with the GPS. In Colowyo's coordinate system (UTM NAD 27 Colorado State Plane) the elevation is 7,26V at the known base station and was measured by the Division at an elevation of 7,274'. The difference between the elevations was 13 feet which will be used as the correction factor. The elevation data collected for the West Pit by the Division was compared to elevation information provided in the SL-18 Bond Release application and shown on Table 4 of this document. After comparison, all elevation points taken by the Division were found to have an average deviation of 2.7 feet from the elevations shown on SL-18 Map I and Figure I of this document. Given the expanse of the mine site and the steepness of the terrain at Colowyo, as well as the error contributed by the user,the Division determined that the difference in elevation is acceptable. Summary and Conclusions The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the SL-18 partial Phase I Bond Release application submitted by Colowyo for the Colowyo Mine. The Division proposes to approve this Partial Phase I Bond Release on 44.6 acres for portion of the West Pit. 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 reclamation parcels required under SL-18 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 I Bond Release at the Colowyo Mine. V. PROPOSED DECISION Based on the observations in Section IV above,the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety proposes to approve Colowyo's request for a partial Phase I Bond Release for the Colowyo Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant of Phase I reclamation liability on 44.6 acres for portion of the West Pit, as shown on Figure I at the end of this document. The Division holds a performance bond in the amount of$115,000,000.00 for the Colowyo Mine. The Division has calculated the amount associated with the partial Phase I Bond Release area and it totals$444,003.00. The Division estimates its cost to complete remaining reclamation work at the Colowyo Mine to be$114,418,131.00. This amount is sufficient to assure completion of the Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance July 21,2020 Partial Phase I Bond Release SL-18 Page 6