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<br />base of slopes. The bond release blocks' requirements for vegetation production and species diversity <br />were based on what would be necessary for the land functioning as pastureland. The bond release <br />blocks have met those requirements. Based on the achievement of those requirements, and the <br />observed successful livestock grazing on the site, the Division finds that the revegetation on the bond <br />release blocks is capable of supporting the pastureland postmining land use. <br />Division's finding that CYCC has returned disturbed areas to the approved postmining land <br />of pastureland . As previously discussed, CYCC has successfully grazed cattle on the bond release <br />blocks. Based on these grazing practices, the Division Finds that CYCC has successfully returned <br />the disturbed areas to the approved postmining land use of pastureland. <br />Division's finding that CYCC has protected high value fish and wildlife habitat. The Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife conducted a two-year study of the Columbian sharp-[ailed grouse on CYCC's <br />reclaimed areas. Nine active leks were identified. The study found that one of the leks is the most <br />populous in Routt County. The cover and feed on the bond release blocks appear to have enhanced <br />the sharp-tail habitat. This cover also supports the following wildlife that have regularly been sighted <br />on the bond release blocks during inspections over the years: elk, deer, sharp tailed grouse, various <br />small mammals, various water fowl and raptors. <br />Division's finding that CYCC has completed the final steps in its hydrologic reclamation plan <br />(removal of drainage control structures and sealing drilled holes). As noted previsously in this <br />findings document, the Division has previously approved leaving as permanent structures: pond A <br />pond H and nearby contour ditches, and the diversion ditches around the excess spoil piles. Several <br />stock ponds also remain permanent. Recent monthly inspections and the bond release inspection <br />found maintenance has been completed on [he permanent ponds. CYCC sealed all remaining drill <br />holes in December 2001 in accordance with Section 4.07.3, and submitted final plugging and <br />abandonment reports to the Division. The Division inspected those former well sites in its regular <br />monthly inspection of December 2001. The sites had been properly reclaimed. Based on the <br />reclamation of those wells and the condition of [he permanent ponds, the Division finds that CYCC <br />has completed the final requirements for removing drainage control structures and sealing drilled <br />holes. <br />Division's evaluation of hydrologic impacts The Division's review of CYCC's hydrologic impacts <br />is documented in an internal memorandum to the bond release SL-08 file dated December 28, 2001. <br />All of the impacts are consistent with those predicted in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />section of CYCC's permit application and the Division's Yampa River Cumulative Hydrologic <br />Impact Assessment. The Division's review identified the following hydrologic impacts. <br />Ground Water Impacts: <br />1. CYCC's backfilled mine pits are probably discharging coal spoil leachate into the Wadge <br />overburden aquifer through the low-walls of the pits. <br />2. The coal spoil leachate has a high concentration of dissolved solids (TDS), typically in <br />the range of 3000 to 4000 mg/l. Sulfate is a major component of the dissolved solids. <br />Mine 1 and the Eckman Park Mine Page 10 January 3, 2002 <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />