2022-03-03_INSPECTION - C2010089

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March 23, 2022 C-2010-089/New Horizon North Mine JHB establishment. The Division does not consider that a follow up inspection for the irrigated pasture for the Phase II bond release request is needed. The operator has requested Phase II bond release for 23.9 acres of reclaimed dryland pasture. The dryland pasture consists of acreage outside of the influence of the center pivot sprinkler system. The dryland pasture is located on the outside of the circular irrigated pasture and to the north of the irrigated pasture. The area has weathered through several very droughty years since the dryland pasture was seeded. The dryland pasture parcels were seeded between 2017 to 2020. However,the seed mix was chosen to allow for dry conditions, and the dryland pasture is becoming reasonably established. Although thin snow cover was overlaying the dryland pasture parcels, previous observations, SL3 vegetative data,and lack of erosional or weedy patches provide the inspector confidence that the dryland pasture is becoming adequately established. REVEGETATION—Rule 4.15 Vegetative Cover;Timing: Vegetation of the Phase II bond release requested areas is dormant this time of year. The Division makes monthly inspections on both the dryland and irrigated pastures throughout the year. The operator has provided vegetation sampling data in the SL3 application package. Inability to observe the dormant vegetation at the time of this inspection is not a problem for this inspection due to the documented condition of the pastures throughout the year. SLIDES and DAMAGE -Rule 4.12: The irrigated and dryland pastures have experienced a degree of differential settling after the area was backfilled, graded and,with the case of the irrigated pasture, irrigated. The operator and landowner have coordinated repair of low spots that have formed in the fields. Discussion with Mr. Garvey indicated the landowner was satisfied with the repairs to the field. North of the irrigated pasture,we encountered surface cracking in the dryland pasture that appears to correlate to the highwall/backfill interface. Some of the cracks appear to extend a foot or so deep. To assure that runoff doesn't concentrate in this crack,the Division recommends consolidation of the surface. Often this can be achieved by running a tractor wheel over the crack to tamp the surface down,or other minimally invasive methods. Gully formation has been minimal as the irrigated pasture becomes established and runoff is reduced. The farmer has also adjusted the method of water application to adjust for the reduced infiltration in the field,which reduces the amount of irrigation tail-water coming off the field. SUPPORT FACILITIES-Rule 4.04: The facilities area remains partially reclaimed. The operator needs the remaining facilities area left in its current condition,in order to move material and complete final reclamation once sediment control systems are approved to be removed. The Division finds this acceptable. The facilities area are not a part of the SL3 request. TOPSOIL—Rule 4.06 Substitute Materials 4.06.4(4); Storage and Protection 4.06.3;Redistribution 4.06.4: Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 4 Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 3 Page 4 of 8