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<br />-4- <br />Findings of the <br />Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division <br />for <br />The Meadows No. 1 Mine <br />Pit Area Bond Release Application <br />This section contains the findings of the Division pursuant to the Meadows <br />No. 1 Mine pit area bond release request. Information pertaining to the <br />Meadows No. 1 Mine haul road bond release request have been deleted from this <br />document based on the Mined Land Reclamation Board's findings of May 22, <br />1986. A final decision document for the haul road bond release request will <br />be prepared following the August, 1986 Board hearing to which these issues <br />were continued. <br />I. Procedures for Seeking Release of Performance Bond (Rule 3.02.2) <br />The Division finds that, based on the review process history, the requirements <br />for seeking release of performance bonds as per Rule 3.03.2 have been met. <br />Copies of written notices in accordance with Rule 3.02(1)(a) have been <br />submitted to the Division. Proof of publication in accordance with <br />Rule 3.02.2(1)(b) has also been submitted. A site inspection was held in <br />accordance with Rule 3.03.2(2). A request for informal conference was <br />received within 30 days, as per Rule 3.03.2(3). The conference was held in <br />accordance with all the requirements of Rule 3.03.2(4). <br />II. Criteria and Schedule for Release of Performance Bonds - Pit Area <br />A. Phase I - Rule 3.03.1(2)(a) states that "up to 60 percent of the <br />total bond amount applicable to an increment or permit area may be released <br />when the permittee successfully completes backfilling, regrading, and drainage <br />control of a bonded area in accordance with the approved reclamation plan." <br />The operator has provided certifications requested by the Division attesting <br />that the pit area has been backfilled and graded in accordance with the <br />approved plan. In addition, field investigations by the Division have <br />verified slope inclinations, and have not identified any instability in the <br />fill. <br />Approximate Original Contour (AOC) - The Division finds that the major <br />portion of the backfi ed area meets the AOC requirements of Rule <br />4.14.1(2)(a). The operator has, in general, successfully reestablished the <br />post-mining landscape as per the plan which was approved by the Board on <br />October 27, 1983. This plan includes a bench area in the southern portion of <br />the pit, which is flatter than the surrounding topography. <br />