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Evidence that deer use the site has been documented in the past. Domestic cattle <br />grazing has occurred periodically over the last few years. No weed problems or <br />significant baze areas were observed during the final field inspection. <br />The vegetative cover on reclaimed azea appears to be preventing rill and gully <br />formation. Most of the topography is gently rolling and erosion is controlled by the <br />re-established vegetation. No sediment deltas or sediment fans were found <br />anywhere on the site during the bond release inspection. No evidence of instability <br />was found. The revegetation success standards were based on what would be <br />necessary for the land to properly function as rangeland and wildlife habitat. The <br />bond release area has met those requirements. Based on the achievement of those <br />requirements, and the observed successful livestock wildlife use on the site, the <br />Division finds that the revegetation on the reclaimed area of the New Pryor Mine is <br />capable of supporting the post-mining land use. The Division believes the <br />requirements of Rule 4.16.1 have been met. <br />Completion of Final Inspection Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />As previously explained, the Division conducted a bond release inspection on <br />June 22, 2005. The inspection was conducted in accordance with Section <br />3.03.2(2). The Division's bond release inspection report is on file at its Denver <br />office and is incorporated by reference in this written finding. Kent Gorham <br />represented the Division. Mitch Rollings represented the Office of Surface <br />Mining (OSM). Landowners and lessees were invited but did not attend the <br />inspection. The inspection focused on a determination of the completion of all <br />reclamation work as specified in the reclamation plan and the achievement of <br />goals as outlined in the Cooperative Agreement, including success of the <br />elimination of all highwalls, erosion and slope stability of the reclaimed lands, and <br />implementation of the post mining land use. As explained in the Division's <br />inspection report, field observations support a finding to approve a termination of <br />jurisdiction and liability release. <br />Completion of Evaluation Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />The Division has conducted an evaluation of the reclamation work, in accordance <br />with Section 3.03.2(2). This evaluation considered, among other things: the results <br />of inspections and monitoring, the need for further reclamation work, whether <br />pollution of surface or subsurface water is occurring, and the probability of future <br />occurrence of such pollution. The evaluation concluded that all reclamation has been <br />completed in the bond release azea, no water pollution is occurring, and there is little <br />potential for future water pollution. Impacts to ground water and surface water are <br />described below. <br />12 <br />