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Revegetation success. The approved postmining land use of the Edna Mine is commercial or <br />industrial (electric powerline). The approved success standazd for cover for the bond release azea is <br />living plant cover sufficient for erosion control in the powerline comdor, and no vegetative cover in <br />the graveled pad area of the lower facility area. As explained in the preceding discussion of Phase I <br />Bond Release, revegetation in the powerline corridor appeazs to be adequately controlling sediment <br />yield. This conclusion was based on a compazison ofpre-disturbance and postmining sediment yield <br />calculations. The calculations used valid cover data collected during more than one year of the <br />liability period (1998, 1999, and 2000). Erosion stabilization of the bond release azea has also been <br />indicated by the operator's annual erosion reports. In addition, the Division has verified in the field <br />the adequacy of revegetation and erosion control during its regulaz monthly inspections. No gully <br />or rill problems, or sediment fans were found during the bond release inspection. Sediment also has <br />not accumulated in the Tipple ponds downhill from the bond release area. These ponds receive <br />much of the runoff from the bond release area. <br />Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds that the bond release area meets the <br />requirements for Phase II bond release. <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />Completion of minimum liability period. The previous discussion of Phase II bond release indicates <br />the ground cover of living plants provides enough erosion control to satisfy the requirement of <br />Section 4.15.10(2). The permittee demonstrated as early as 1998 the approved industrial or <br />commercial post-mining land use (powerline) had substantially commenced, and was likely to be <br />achieved (letter in Technical Revision 37 file dated January 5, 1998 from the Division to P & M). A <br />powerline of less than 69 kV extended up the conveyor corridor. This powerline is owned and <br />operated by Yampa Valley Electric Association, and was still in place during the bond release <br />inspection. The achievement of sufficient ground cover, and the continuing use of the bond release <br />azea as a powerline corridor, indicates the minimum liability period has expired for the former <br />conveyor corridor portion of the bond release area. As previously explained under Bond Release <br />Criteria, the lower facility portion of the bond release azea has no revegetation requirement. <br />Consequently, there is no minimum applicable to this portion of the bond release azea. <br />Completion of the reclamation plan. The previous discussions of Phases I and II bond release <br />indicate the permittee has completed all aspects of the reclamation plan in the bond release area, <br />including removal of structures, regrading, and revegetation. <br />Completion of ftna[ inspection required by Section 3.03.2(2). As previously explained, the <br />Division conducted a bond release inspection on October 8, 2003. The inspection was conducted in <br />accordance with Section 3.03.2(2). The inspection focused on completion of reclamation work, <br />success of the work, erosional and slope stability of the reclaimed lands, and implementation of the <br />postmining land use. As explained in the Division's inspection report, field observations support a <br />finding to approve the bond release application. <br />9 <br />