2023-02-15_BONDING - C1981008 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981008
• IBM Index Class Name: Bonding
• Doc Date: 2/15/2023
• Doc Name Note: Revised Findings & Cost Estimate
• Doc Name: Reclamation Cost Estimate
• From: DRMS
• To: Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, LLC
• Type & Sequence: SL25
• Email Name: CCW
• Email Name: THM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

DP-13 2013
DP-16 2016
DP-17 2018
Vegetative Ground Cover Standard
For Dryland Pasture areas, revegetation will be deemed adequate if average perennial cover at the
reclaimed site is equal to or greater than 90% of the perennial cover mean exhibited by the
respective reference area.
Dryland Pasture Phase II Bond Release Area
Ground cover measured in 2021 in the Dryland Pasture Phase II Bond Release areas consisted of
23.88%live vegetation, 3.08%rock, 39.71%litter, and bare ground exposure of 33.33%. Perennial
cover across the unit averaged 18.17%, with no noxious weed cover encountered.
Ground cover measured in 2021 in the Old Peabody Sage Reference Area consisted of 16.40%live
vegetation,26.73%rock,27.53%litter, and bare ground of 29.33%. Perennial cover across the unit
averaged 15.73%,no noxious weed cover was encountered.
Success Comparison
Dryland Pasture
The demonstration of adequacy and a minimum of 15 transects in each unit allow for a direct
comparison for perennial cover per Rule 4.15.11 (2)(a). The Dryland Pasture Phase 11 Bond Release
areas exceed the reference area comparison with 18.17% perennial cover versus the 14.16% perennial
cover standard (90% of 15.73%).
Summary and Conclusions
Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections,the
Division finds that Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, LLC has replaced topsoil in accordance with the
approved reclamation plan. Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, LLC has established vegetation which
supports the approved post mine land use and meets the approved success standard for vegetative cover.
The Division finds that the reclaimed area subject to this bond release is not contributing suspended solids
to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of premining levels or in excess of adjacent
nonmined areas.
Suspended Solids Demonstration:
For Dryland Pasture and Irrigated Pasture reclamation areas, ERMR provided a demonstration using
the RUSLE formula that shows completed revegetation and grading in the Phase 11 Bond Release
areas have achieved erosion control at least equal to pre-mining levels.
The purpose of the sedimentology evaluation is to demonstrate that the completed revegetation and
grading in the Phase 11 Bond Release Areas have achieved erosion control at least equal to premining
C1981008 SL25 Page 10 of 14