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RECLAMATION SUCCESS -continued <br />suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area at a level that exceeds either <br />premining levels or the existing levels on adjacent nonmined areas. <br />The remainder of this discussion of reclamation success applies only to those areas included in the <br />current Phase II/Phase III bond release request. <br />The field observations made during this inspection support a finding that the vegetation in the permit <br />area supports the approved postmining land uses of livestock grazing, rangeland, and wildlife habitat. <br />The amount and composition of vegetative cover throughout the reclaimed areas appeared to be <br />similar to what was reported two years earlier in the August 9, 1996 inspection when the Division field- <br />checked vegetation data in anticipation of the current Phase II/Phase III bond release application. The <br />cover also appears to be consistent with the data submitted in the Phase II/Phase III bond release <br />application. The consistency between the field observations made during this inspection, with the <br />vegetation data reported in the past, supports a finding that the permittee has established vegetation <br />which meets the approved success standard for cover. <br />The field observations made during this inspection support a finding that the permittee has <br />successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with the <br />approved reclamation plan, with the following three exceptions: <br />1) Patches of Canada thistle and possible Oxeye daisy need eradication (see Revegetation <br />discussion above, for locations), <br />2) Apiece of wire rope that is partially buried near the northern corner of the excess spoils pile <br />needs to be removed, <br />3) The three monitoring wells need to be reclaimed. <br />-7- <br />