2020-11-03_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1980007

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mix were observed together with occasional volunteers. No erosion of the sites was observed and the vegetation appeared to have successfully stabilized the surface. It was further noted that a small dense patch of thistle on the road to 24HG2E27XC should be treated, but that noxious weeds were not otherwise prevalent. MCC sprayed the weeds and shared photographic evidence of their treatment with the Division by email on September 17, 2020. Reclamation efforts of the sites included in the SL-I I application have been successful in: i. Regrading the disturbed areas to AOC; ii. Establishing a permanent self-sustaining vegetation community, which meets the approved success criteria; iii. Minimizing the impacts to the hydrologic balance; and iv. Implementing the approved post -mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat. Summary and Conclusions Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, the Division finds that Mountain Coal Company, LLC has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan and met all requirements of the Act and the Rules. IV. PROPOSED DECISION Based on the observations above, the Division proposes to approve Mountain Coal Company, LLC's request for a Partial Phase III bond release for the West Elk Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant from liability for all reclamation work for the sites shown in Table 1, totaling 15.25 acres. Table 1: List of sites to be released from all reclamation liability with approval of SL-11 Site Name/Number Acres Year Reclaimed 14-01 & road 0.8 2003 14-02 & road 2003 15-04A & road 2003 14-04 0.4 2002 14-05 2006 22-01 0.6 2006 22-02A 2006 22-028 & road 2006 23-01 0.5 2006 23-02 2006 23-03A & road 2006 23-038 & road 0.5 2006 1-23-01 0.3 2006 23-04 & road 0.9 2006 C-1980-007 Page 7 of 10