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The only Phase ~ bond release requirements that remain to be addressed in this findings document are: Phase III items Completion of l0-year bond liability period Removal of drainage control structures Sealing of drilled holes Division's consideration of long-term hydrologic impacts Protection of ground water and surface water hydrologic balance as specified in the Act and the Regulations Retum of disturbed areas to the approved postmining land use of livestock grazing, rangeland, and wildlife habitat VI. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS -PHASE III RELEASE Division's finding that the 10-year liability period has been completed. Table 1 and Drawing (Map) 1 of the bond release submittal show the chronology of reclamation on the bond release block. The last reclamation work conducted on the bond release block was the reclamation of ponds 001 and 002 in 1996, and monitoring wells in 1998. The reclamation of wells and ponds is not subject to a minimum liability period prior to bond release [Section 3.03.1(5)]. Elsewhere on the bond release block, augmented seeding,.fertilizing, irrigation or other work was last conducted in 1987 when lands west of County Road 53 were reclaimed. A 10-year liability period following that work expired~in 1997; therefore, the Division finds that the bond release block has met Section 3.02.3's requirement fora 10-year liability period for revegetation. Division's finding that HGCC has completed the final steps in its hydrologic reclamation plan (removal of drainage control structures and sealing drilled holes). The Division has previously approved leaving four primary ditches and contour ditches east of County Road 53 as permanent structures (TR-52). Other permanent drainage control structures surround the excess spoil pile and the former facilities area, in compliance with the approved reclamation plan. HGCC has reclaimed all ponds and associated discharge structures, except for ponds HG-8 and 003. The Division approved those two ponds as permanent impoundments (see discussion of Phase II bond release, above). HGCC reclaimed Ponds 001 and 002 in 1996. Vegetative cover and erosion control has been established on the sites of the two former ponds, incompliance with Section 3.03.1(5). HGCC sealed all drilled holes in October 1998 in accordance with Section 4.07.3, and submitted final plugging and abandonment reports to the Division. The Division inspected those former well sites in its regular monthly inspection of May 1999. The sites had been properly reclaimed. Based on the reclamation of those wells and the ponds, the Division finds that HGCC has completed the final requirements for removing drainage control structures and sealing drilled holes. Division's evaluation of hydrologic impacts The Division's review of surface water impacts are documented in the Division's adequacy le[ters of October 20, 1993 and December 2, 1993. The Hayden Gulch Mine Page 12 May 25, 1999 Phase 11/111 Bond Release