Laserfiche WebLink
\j <br />• • <br />Decision <br />August, 1994 <br />Page -4- <br />Findings of the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology <br />for the <br />Hamilton Mine <br />Phase I Bond Release Application <br />I. Procedures for Seeking Release of Performance Bond (Rule <br />3.02.2) <br />The Division finds that, based on the review process history, <br />the requirements for seeking release of performance bonds as <br />set forth in Rule 3.03.2 have been met. Copies of written <br />notices as required by Rule 3.03.2(1)(a) have been submitted <br />to the Division. Proof of publication in accordance with Rule <br />3.03.2(1)(c) has also been submitted. A site inspection was <br />held in accordance with Rule 3.03.2(2). <br />II. Criteria and Schedule for Release of Performance Bonds <br />Phase I - Rule 3.03.1(2)(a) states that up to sixty percent <br />of the applicable bond amount shall be released when the <br />permittee successfully completes backfilling, regrading, and <br />drainage control in accordance with the approved reclamation <br />plan." <br />The operator has provided certified maps attesting that the <br />disturbed areas at the pit and office areas have been <br />backfilled and graded in accordance with the approved plan. <br />Field investigations by the Division have verified slope <br />gradients. The regraded slopes have not exhibited any <br />instability. The Division also finds, in accordance with Rule <br />4.14.1(2)(a) that the operator has backfilled all spoil to the <br />degree that stability has been insured and that spoil piles, <br />highwalls, and depressions have been eliminated. Backfilled <br />material has been placed to minimize adverse effects on ground <br />water as required by Rule 4.14.1(2)(b). The Division <br />therefore finds that the regraded areas meet the approximate <br />original contour requirements of Rule 4.14.1(2)(a). <br />Drainage control has been accomplished in compliance with the <br />approved plan. Reclaimed channels appear stable. There are <br />no erosion problems on the reclaimed areas. Topsoil has been <br />applied and all disturbed areas were seeded. Vegetative <br />growth is beginning to appear on the site which was seeded in <br />the Fall of 1993. <br />As requested by the landowner, and approved by the Division, <br />the haul road for its entire length and width will remain to <br />aide in agriculture production. <br />