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Reclamation Success <br />Observations made during this inspection indicate the operator has removed all structures, and has <br />successfully backfilled and regraded the lands, with the exception of the following four reclamation <br />tasks: <br />1. Repair and revegetation of sinkholes in the refuse pile, <br />2. Repair and revegetation of the collapsed Mine No. 3 portal backfill, <br />3. Reclamation of the two piezometers at the base of the refuse pile, and <br />4. Removal of signs and markers (disturbed azea mazkers at main mine site, permit boundary <br />markers at loadout, and mine i.d. signs on entrances from public roads). <br />DRMS requests that the operator submit for approval, prior to carrying out tasks 1 and 2, a repair plan <br />for the refuse pile sinkholes and the Mine No. 3 portal backfill. The repair plan should include a <br />description of the methods to be used in the repairs including type of equipment, amounts and <br />specifications of backfill material, revegetation seed mix, and an explanation of why the work is likely <br />to be more successful than previous reclamation at the two locations. After tasks 1 and 2 aze <br />completed, DRMS will inspect the two areas where the work was conducted and will evaluate the need <br />for extending the revegetation liability period in those areas. Task 3 may be completed immediately. <br />Task 4 will not be conducted until DRMS has issued a proposed decision to approve final bond release. <br />With the exceptions listed above, and subject to any subsidence damage that is found during a future <br />inspection of the undermined lands, the operator has established drainage control, successfully <br />established vegetation, stabilized the lands, and has completed all reclamation obligations set forth in <br />the mining and reclamation permit application. The vegetation appeazs to be adequate for use of the <br />lands in the mine area for the approved post-mining land-uses of livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. <br />The observations made during this inspection would support a finding that the operator has met the <br />requirements for Phase III bond release after: a) completion of the four reclamation tasks listed above, <br />b) expiration of any additional liability period resulting from tasks 1 and 2, and c) the completion of <br />any work needed as a result of a future inspection of subsidence impacts on undermined lands. <br />8 <br />