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groundwater degradation was considered remote. There is no evidence that the quality or quantity of ground water in the Pinnacle coal seam has been affected by mining operations at the Meadows No. 1 Mine. Sun Coal Company no longer obtains water for consumptive use, and well permits for three wells were transferred to John Eilts in 1993. The only impact the mine might currently have on water rights is the storage of water in the three permanent impoundments located on the Eilts property. The Office of the State Engineer has determined that the ponds will have no appazent water resources impact because the critical reach, in terms of appropriation, of the Yampa River is upstream from the site. The pre-mining land use of the pit area owned by Grassy Creek Coal Company was rangeland and wildlife habitat. Currently, there are two llamas utilizing the azea, and there is evidence of use by deer and elk. Summ~yr and Conclusions Based upon a review of the mine permit; past vegetation, surface and ground water monitoring; the applicant's bond release application; and site inspections, the Division finds that Sun Coal Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations at the Grassy Creek Coal Company pit azea in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, and has met all requirements of the Act and the Rules. Sun Coal Company has backfilled and regraded the mined area to approximate original contour, replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, and has established vegetation which supports the approved post-mine land use and meets the approved success standards for vegetative cover. The reclaimed areas are not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of pre-mining levels or in excess of adjacent non-mined azeas. Meadows No. 1 Mine 9 Phase Ill Bond Release