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Elk Creek Mine (C-1981-022) MT-8 <br /> In order to be eligible for bond release it will first be necessary to clarify the ownership and <br /> ongoing use of each of the remaining powerlines in the text of the reclamation plan. <br /> (k) Sedimentation Ponds and Post-mining Drainages (Page 2.05-66) <br /> The reclamation plan states that sedimentation ponds will be removed, unless separately <br /> approved in the future as permanent impoundments to support the post-mining land use. <br /> No permanent ponds are identified in the reclamation plan, although, as noted in item (e), <br /> above, Map 2.05-M8 shows the retention of Pond B, and the status of Ponds A and B is <br /> unclear on Map 2.05-M6. <br /> In order to be eligible for bond release, sedimentation ponds should be reclaimed, in <br /> accordance with the reclamation plan, after the disturbed area reporting to them has <br /> received at least Phase II bond release. If a pond is to be retained in support of an alternative <br /> post-mining land use, it should be specified in the reclamation plan and a permanent pond <br /> demonstration should be submitted to the Division in the form of a revision to the permit. <br /> The affected segments of Bear Creek, Hubbard Creek and Elk Creek have been reconstructed, <br /> and those in Bear Creek and Hubbard Creek have received Phase III bond release. As was <br /> stated in the SL-1 findings: <br /> The reconstructed [Elk Creek] channel was removed from the SL-1 parcels at the Division's <br /> request so as to allow time for the stability of the channel to be assessed. The channel will <br /> be observed regularly throughout the ongoing period of reclamation liability. When the <br /> long-term stability of the entire channel has been demonstrated, an update to the PAP to <br /> include as-built details of the reconstructed channel prior to an application for Phase <br /> and 111 bond release will be required. <br /> (1) De-gasification Wells and Fire Control and Monitoring Borehole Sites (Page 2.05-67) <br /> The vast majority of boreholes constructed at the site have been plugged and abandoned, <br /> and their pads and access roads have been reclaimed. The Division understands that only <br /> those boreholes still being used to monitor groundwater remain to be reclaimed. <br /> The reclaimed boreholes, pads and roads have received Phase I and II bond release with SL-2 <br /> and -3, and a portion of them will be Phase III released with SL-5, which is under review as of <br /> the date of these findings. <br /> For boreholes which remain open to be eligible to receive bond release, it will first be <br /> necessary to terminate the groundwater monitoring program, and then properly plug and <br /> abandon them and reclaim any associated surface disturbance. The Surface and <br /> Groundwater Monitoring Liability Period is discussed in Rule 4.05.13(3). Any modification of <br /> Page 19 of 22 <br />