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and after the inspection, including: topsoil depths, vegetation monitoring data and sedimentology <br /> demonstration as required by Rule 3.03.1 and approved in the Colowyo PAP. <br /> During the SL-22 bond release inspection, participants walked the bond release request area to <br /> allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements. Observations were made <br /> during the bond release inspection with regard to approved vegetation cover and topsoil depths. <br /> Cheatgrass was observed in three of the reclamation parcels, WP026, WP027 and WP028. <br /> Cheatgrass is classified as a List C noxious weed species in Colorado. The Colowyo <br /> representative stated that the observed cheatgrass was sprayed in reclamation parcels WP026 and <br /> WP027. Parcel WP028 was not sprayed at the time of the inspection however is being monitored <br /> and on the list for future spraying. Cheatgrass observed in these areas were not representative of <br /> the total reclamation parcel and are actively being managed by approved best management <br /> practices. <br /> To determine compliance with Colowyo's approved variable topsoil depths in the SL-22 area, a <br /> total of 15 topsoil verification holes were dug during the August 2023 inspection. A total of 2 <br /> points were taken along the East Pit parcel EP061 and 13 along the West Pit parcels and are <br /> shown on Figure 2 of this document. More information regarding topsoil replacement associated <br /> with the SL-22 areas are discussed later in this section. <br /> Topsoil Replacement <br /> As stated earlier, a total of 15 topsoil verification holes were dug and measured during the <br /> August 29, 2023 inspection prior to the SL-22 bond release inspection in order to verify topsoil <br /> depths within the areas being requested for Phase 11 Bond Release in the SL-22 application. <br /> Colowyo is approved for variable topsoil depth placement and per Colowyo's PAP, "Topsoil <br /> will... ...be redistributed and graded to a variable replacement depth following the general rule <br /> of thin topsoil (<6 inches) on ridge tops to gradually thicker topsoil moving down the slopes to <br /> the drainage bottoms for the grazingland land use targeted areas. Sagebrush Steppe areas will <br /> ideally receive an average of approximately 4 inches of topsoil that will likely be more uniform <br /> application to encourage proper seeding depth and overall shrub establishment conditions." <br /> Navigation points were placed at random within the SL-22 bond release area in ArcGIS and <br /> those points were then downloaded on ArcGIS for ESRI Collector(Collector)prior to the <br /> inspection. During the bond release inspection, the Division navigated to the points using the <br /> data in Collector and then dug to a minimum depth of 9 inches or until topsoil was visibly no <br /> longer present. The depth of each hole was then documented and can be found on Figure 2 and <br /> Table 4 of this document. The topsoil holes were then immediately backfilled after the depth of <br /> topsoil was verified. All topsoil verification holes dug met the requirements stated in Colowyo's <br /> PAP and in the SL-22 application. <br /> Vegetation Cover <br /> The Colowyo Coal Mine uses two reference areas for the comparison of success of their SL-22 <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance November 3,2023 <br /> Partial Phase 11 Bond Release SL-22 Page 6 <br />