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Summary and Conclusions Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, the Division finds that Kaiser Ventures, Inc., has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Kaiser Ventures, Inc., has established vegetation which supports the approved post mine land use and meets the approved success standazd for vegetative cover. The Division finds that the reclaimed azea subject to this bond release is not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit azea in excess of premining levels or in excess of adjacent nonmined azeas. The Division also finds that the essential hydrologic functions and agricultural production of the AVF area have been restored. Division's Findings on Protection of Hydrologic Balance. Based on the foregoing observations regazding hydrologic impacts, the Division finds that Kaiser has: Minimized disturbance of the hydrologic balance in the mine plan and adjacent areas, and prevented material damage outside the permit azea; 2. Not caused hydrologic changes that adversely affect the approved post-mining land use in the permit area; and has restored the essential hydrologic functions of AFV within the permit area and preserved the essential hydrologic functions of the portion of the AVF outside the permit azea. This restoration and preservation have been achieved by maintaining the geologic, hydrologic, and biologic chazacteristics that support the essential hydrologic functions of the AVF. 1V. PROPOSED DECISION Based on the observations above, the Division proposes to approve Kaiser Ventures Inc., request for a partial Phase III bond release for the Chimney Rock Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant from liability for the AVF area and the "Truck Tum-around area", and shop and facilities azea, a total of 17.5 acres MOL. The original performance bond for the Chimney Rock Mine was $800,000.00. The Division previously returned $480,000.00 for a Phase I bond release that included the entire permit area. Subsequently, the Division then released and additional $200,000.00 for a total Phase II bond release The Division currently holds a performance bond of $120,000.00. Based on the observations above, the Division proposes to release $16,800.00. The remaining amount of $103,200.00 is sufficient to assure completion of catastrophic vegetation reclamation work at the site if the work had to be performed by the Division. The Division estimates its cost to complete remaining reclamation work at the site to be $55,000.00. it