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amended to address such modification, and this work will also need to be specified on the North Decline <br />bond release map. <br />During the field inspection on August I5, it could not be discerned from visual observation whether the <br />upper segment of the North Decline permanent channel would meet design depth requvement of 24", <br />without reliance on existingberms for additional capacity. Measurements were taken using a hand level <br />and measuring tape at two locations where depth appeared questionable (ifberms excluded). Depths of 27" <br />and 22" were recorded. The depth is considered acceptable, given the difficulty of precise measurement <br />due to the uneven riprap channel bottom, and further given the fact that the calculated flow depth for the <br />design storm event and corresponding channel gradient is l8" (Permit Appendix 13-2, p. NDEC-12). <br />The amended 2-West Portals Map in the revised bond release application appropriately delineates the <br />"Graded, Seeded, and Mulched 2000" areas which are subject to the requested bond release. The two sets <br />of road culverts have been removed and replaced with dips or "low water crossings" as approved. During <br />the bond release inspection on August 14, downcutting approximately l foot deep was observed at the <br />lower end of the permanent relocated channel road dip, and repairs (grading andriprap placement) were <br />requested. Repairs were completed by the operator and 1 observed the completed repairs on August 24. <br />The eroded area had been properly graded, a synthetic mat had been laid down, and large sandstoneriprap <br />had been firmly set in place over the mat. Sediment controlberms will need to be maintained until <br />vegetation demonstrations allow for their removal, and adequate bond will need to be retained for future <br />elimination of the berms. The compressor and substation facility and the overhead power line in the 2- <br />West Portals vicinity have not yet been reclaimed, and these facilities are not included in the bond release <br />request. <br />South Fan disturbances subject to bond release were delineated as requested. Sediment controlberms <br />associated with the various disturbances as depicted on the South Fan Installation bond release map will <br />need to be maintained as described for the 2-West Portal berms, and bond monies will need to be retained <br />for berm removal. Some fan components and electrical transformers removed from the reclaimed site have <br />been stored temporarily at the junction of the reclaimed South Fan road and the 2-West Portals Road. <br />These materials will need to be removed in conjunction with 2-West portal electrical facilities removal, if <br />not before. <br />Adequacy Item 7 requested additional documentation on South Lease Exploration sites and roads, <br />including a location map with drill hole designations. The requested information was provided, including a <br />January 7, 1998 letter from Catherine Robertson of the BLM Grand Junction Resource Area, concerning <br />reclamation of the drill site access roads on BLM property. <br />The drilling program and reclamation was conducted in the 1980's. I conducted an inspection of the I I <br />reclaimed drill sites and associated reclaimed access roads on June 26, 1997 (see Inspection Report issued <br />July 16, 1997). Pertinent observations from that inspection report are excerpted here below: <br />On June 26, 11 esploralion sires and assoctated roads which had been approved under <br />technical or minor revisions in 1984 or 1985 were inspected. The sites were all within <br />the permi! area, although several were guile remote and reaching [hem required <br />extensive hiking over sleep terrain. Records indicate the drill holes were plugged, and <br />approximately 7 acres ojdrill pads and temporary roads were reclaimed in the ja!! of <br />1985. <br />The drill pads appeared to be adequately reclaimed Records indicate tha! [he ho/es <br />were plugged and abandoned in accordance with the approved plan, although all ojlhe <br />sealed ho/es had apparently been covered over during the course ojreclama(ion and <br />could not be located. <br />The exlen! ojroad reclamation is somewha! variable, and it would appear [hat additional <br />reclamation will be required jor certain road segments. The operator may need to do <br />