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<br />13 <br /> <br />(1249 lbs./acre). Productivity met the required standazd for both bond release blocks for both 1995 <br />and 1996. <br />The diversity standazd was previously discussed in the Phase II discussion of this document. Data <br />collected during 1996 for both the East and West Blocks further support the achievement of the <br />diversity standazd for the Mine No. 2 bond release area. (Rule 4.15.8(5)) <br />Seasonality of the re-established vegetation is comprised of cool season species. The mine is located <br />in a region chazacterized by high altitude, cool temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Warm season plant <br />species aze not indigenous to the region. The bond release azeas are incompliance with Rule <br />4.15.8(6). No woody plant standazd applies to this permit azea due to the post-mining land use of <br />Pasture. Woody plant density was not measured or evaluated as a part of this Bond Release. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, <br />the Division finds that Colorado Yampa Coal Company has completed backfilling, grading and <br />drainage reestablishment at the Mine No. 2 in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. <br />Colorado Yampa Coal Company has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved reclamation <br />plan. Colorado Yampa Coal Company has established vegetation which supports the approved post <br />mining land use and meets the approved success standards for vegetative cover, herbaceous <br />production, and diversity. The Division finds that the reclaimed area subject to this bond release is <br />not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of pre- <br />mining levels or in excess of adjacent non-mined azeas. Probable hydrologic consequences projected <br />by the operator appear consistent with data collected pre- and post-reclamation. Changes in the water <br />chemistry do not appear to preclude the post-mining uses of Fish Creek. <br />The Division finds that Colorado Yampa Coal Company has successfully completed all surface coal <br />mining reclamation operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan and met all <br />requirements of the Act and the Rules, for the Mine No. 2 portion of permit C-81-071. <br />