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along the Colorado River. Previous inspections have documented sage grouse, deer, and pronghorn <br />in the area. <br />Hydrologic Balance - Evaluation of Hydrologic Impacts Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />Rule 3.03.2(2) requires the Division to evaluate hydrologic impacts prior to releasing reclamation <br />lability. This evaluation must consider whether pollution or surface or subsurface water is occurring <br />and the probability of future occurrence with such pollution. The Division's evaluation is <br />summarized below. <br />Ground Water Impacts <br />Coal Ridge had a total of eight ground water monitoring wells and were reclaimed in 1994 and 1995 <br />and ground water monitoring is no longer required. Prior to the reclamation of the ground water <br />monitoring wells, no exceedances were reported in the Annual Hydrology Reports or quarterly <br />monitoring reports. Additionally, based on the limited extent of operations at Coal Ridge, ground <br />water impacts were not expected. <br />Surface Water Impacts <br />There has been no record of any discharge or runoff from Coal Ridge as reported in the Division's <br />monthly inspection reports, discharge monitoring reports and Annual Hydrology Reports. As part <br />of the Phase II bond release (SL -02) in 2001, Coal Ridge demonstrated that contributing suspended <br />solids to streamflow or runoff was not in excess of levels determined on adjacent undisturbed areas. <br />Additionally, Technical Revision No. 19 was submitted and approved in 2015 which provided a <br />sediment control plan for reclaimed areas associated with the reclamation of Sediment Pond A. The <br />Sediment Control Plan was designed to prevent an increase in the average annual sediment yield <br />from pre -mine undisturbed conditions. Finally, as documented with the SL -03 inspection, <br />vegetation has established itself and there were no signs of erosion or runoff throughout Coal Ridge. <br />Findings on Protection of Hydrologic Balance <br />Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds that Coal Ridge has minimized disturbance <br />of the hydrologic balance in the SL -03 bond release area and prevented material damage outside the <br />permit area. The Division also finds that Coal Ridge has not caused hydrologic changes that <br />adversely affect the approved post mining land use in the permit area. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />The Division has completed its review and evaluation of the SL -03 Phase III Bond Release and <br />Termination of Jurisdiction application submitted by C. B. Minerals Company, LLC for the Coal <br />Ridge No. 1 Mine. The Division proposes a Bond Release on 45.5 acres of Phase III and <br />termination of the Division's jurisdiction at the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine. <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance July 2020 <br />Phase III Bond Release SL -03 Page 7 <br />