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III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />The following discussion of observations and findings focuses on the results of backfilling and grading <br />work and drainage reestablishment, relating this work to reclamation plan requirements. During the <br />Phase I bond release inspection, participants walked through lazge portions of the site subject to the <br />bond release request, to allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements as <br />described above in Section II of this document. An inclinometer was used to field check gradients at <br />major drainage channels and slopes at permanent road locations where as-built cross-sections and <br />road profiles had been prepazed by SCC. A GPS unit was used to verify location of permanent <br />features and to record field data relevant to specific site locations. Relevant documentation <br />developed over the past several years is included in previous inspection reports and referenced in this <br />document as appropriate. In addition, Post-Mining Topography (Exhibit E), Cross-Sections of <br />Backfilled and Graded Areas, and As-Built Drainage Profiles were included in the bond release <br />application and reviewed by the DRMS during the technical evaluation of the bond release <br />application. <br />Backfilling & Gradine <br />Backfilling and grading work was done between 1972 through 2005 during the life of mining at Seneca <br />II. Exhibit C, Chronology of Backfilling and Grading in the Phase I bond release application shows the <br />boundaries of backfilling and grading according to the regulated timeframes. Prior to August 3, 1977 <br />(pre-law areas), 319.3 acres were backfilled and graded, Between August 1977 and prior to September <br />23, 1981, 523.0 acres were backfilled and graded. The Seneca II Mine was permitted under the <br />Colorado permanent program on September 23, 1981 and since that time 1405.4 acres were backfilled <br />and graded. <br />Observations were made throughout the Phase I bond release inspection with regard to approximate <br />original contour and erosional stability of the reclaimed landscape. The majority of the reclaimed <br />areas of the mine site were stable with adequate surface water runoff control Lazge portions of the <br />mine site were viewed by walking all of the post-mine drainage channels and by accessing the highest <br />elevation points in the former Wolf Creek Pit and Wadge Pit azeas. Based on observations made <br />during this and previous inspections, the reclaimed areas have been restored to the approximate <br />original contour of the pre-mining landscape. The present surface configuration achieved by <br />backfill and grading of the mined areas closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land <br />prior to mining. Reclaimed areas blend in well with existing undisturbed landscape. <br />Highwalls were removed and the reclaimed azeas have been restored to the approximate original <br />contour of the pre-mining landscape within all areas mined under the Colorado permanent program <br />and within the interim-law lands. An exception to this is the old Wolf Creek Pit in the pre-law area, <br />which will be excluded from the Phase I bond release as described below. Observations and findings <br />made for the pre-law areas aze discussed under a separate heading below. <br />Regraded slopes within the permanent program areas and interim-law ]ands are generally in <br />agreement with approved post-mining contours as shown on Post-mine Contour Map, Exhibit 12-9 <br />