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Bond Release Species >3% but <50% Top 4 species rel. Woody plant density <br />Blocks cover <br />C& D A/B 84-92 6 peren. grasses 55.1 % 1896 shrubs/acre <br />2002 2 peren.forbs <br />C& D A/B 84-92 7 peren. grasses 45% 525.2 shrubs/acre <br />2001 3 peren. forbs <br />A&E A/B 83-91 6 peren. grasses 50% 3020 shrubs/acre <br />2002 1 eren.forb <br />A&E A/B 83-91 7 peren. grasses 53.7% 962.3 shrubs/acre <br />2001 2 eren. forbs <br />A,C&D-C 82-92 6 peren. grasses 51.6% No WPD std. On <br />2002 3 eren. forbs ran esite C <br />A,C&D-C 82-92 8 peren. grasses 48.9% No WPD std. On <br />2001 2 eren. forbs rangesite C <br />Post-mining land uses of Rangeland and Wildlife Use were achieved by documentation of heavy usage <br />by wildlife, most notably elk, pronghorn and mule deer. Although considered a species of concern <br />throughout the western United States, Columbian Sharptail Grouse have returned in healthy numbers to <br />the reclaimed rangelands on the mine site and have reestablished shutting ]eks. <br />Impacts to Surface and Groundwater: <br />Data submitted by the operator shows some increase in TDS in Johnson Gulch drainage. Based on the <br />amount of flow in this drainage and its contributing volume to the Yampa River, the input of increased <br />TDS would not be significant to the Yampa River water quality. The Third White Sandstone was <br />bisected during the mining process. Monitoring wells located to measure groundwater impacts show a <br />moderate increase in TDS and sulfate concentrations but these processes aze moderated by the influence <br />of underburden inflows. The GLUX-1 well was established in the First White Sandstone, which <br />overlies the Third White Sandstone, in order to evaluate water quality impacts to the First White <br />Sandstone aquifer. The First White Sandstone aquifer is used locally as a water source. No <br />groundwater quality impacts have been measured at the GLUX-1 well since it was established in 1988 <br />to the present. <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, <br />the Division finds that TMI has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. <br />The Division further finds that TMI has established vegetation which supports the approved post <br />mine land use and meets the approved success standazd for vegetative cover, production, species <br />Trapper Mine, SL-04 Findings s November 18, 2003 <br />