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Alluvial Valley Floors are not located within either the Strip Pit or Utah Tract bond release blocks. <br /> Post Mining Land Use <br /> MCM's objective is to restore the affected areas to the land uses prior to mining. The land uses <br /> associated with the bond release blocks requested comprise rangeland for livestock and wildlife. The <br /> reclaimed lands have vegetative cover composed of a variety of grasses, forbs, and woody shrubs. <br /> The species, seasonality and forage characteristics of the reclaimed vegetation are suitable for the <br /> approved post-mining land uses. The Division has observed livestock grazing and wildlife use of <br /> previously reclaimed areas. The revegetation success standards were based on what would be <br /> necessary for the land to properly function to accommodate the post mine land uses. Based on the <br /> achievement of these requirements, the Division finds that the revegetation on the Moffat County <br /> Mine reclaimed areas is capable of supporting post mining land use. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, dated 25 January 2019, <br /> the bond release inspection and other prior site inspections, the Division finds that MCM has: <br /> o Backfilled and graded <br /> o replaced topsoil and <br /> o achieved the vegetation cover standards for reclamation in accordance with the approved <br /> reclamation plans. <br /> MCM has established vegetation supporting the approved post-mine land use and meets the approved <br /> success standards. The Division finds that the reclaimed area subject to this bond release is not <br /> contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of pre-mining <br /> levels. <br /> Phase III <br /> All lands requested in the Phase III Bond release application (SL4) are simultaneously being approved <br /> for Phase I and II release in this permitting action, with the exception of the 0.17acres around Pond <br /> 9A-P2 to accomplish its reclamation. Final vegetation reclamation success was evaluated for <br /> vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, species diversity and woody plant density. Hydrologic <br /> impacts were also evaluated. <br /> Evaluation of Hydrologic Impacts <br /> Rule 3.03.2(2) requires the Division to evaluate hydrologic impacts prior to releasing reclamation <br /> liability. This evaluation considers whether pollution of surface or subsurface water is occurring and <br /> the probability of future occurrence of such pollution. The Division's evaluation based on Annual <br /> Hydrology Reports is summarized below. Drainage structures are routinely inspected and cleaned out <br /> as necessary. The MCM monitoring plan can be referenced as Exhibit 29, Water Quality Monitoring <br /> Permit Number C1981044 Page 21 of 25 <br />