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relative cover and Winterfat with 4.86% relative cover. Two warm season perennial <br />grasses were measured, Blue grama (7.0%) and Side oats grarna (4.3%), for a total warm <br />season grass contribution of 11.3% relative cover. Diversity data for 1999 were collected <br />at the same time as cover and production data in June 1999. <br />Representatives of the Division were present during the June 1998(year nine) and July <br />1999 (year ten) sampling events. The Division's observations are in agreement with the <br />data submitted by the permittee. There is no shrub establishment standard required at <br />this site. The surrounding lands are open grasslands abutting dense Oak/Pinion stands. <br />The permittee has successfully achieved the vegetation success criteria as approved in <br />the CCM #1 permit and as required by Rule 4.15.8 and for the last two consecutive years <br />of the extended liability period as required by Rule 4.15.7(5). The permittee <br />implemented a grazing plan in 1995 and 1996. The mine was not intentionally grazed in <br />1997, 1998, or 1999. Recovery of the productivity of the reclaimed area, as shown in the <br />1998 and 1999 sampling data, demonstrates that the reclaimed vegetative community <br />can support [he post-mining land-use of rangeland. (Rules 4.15.1(1) and (2)) <br />B. Hydrolo ig c Impacts <br />In accordance with Rule 3.03.2(2), the Division is required to make an evaluation of whether <br />pollution of surface and subsurface waters is occurring, the probability of future occurrence of <br />such pollution, and the estimated cost of abating such pollution, prior to releasing any <br />performance bond at a site. <br />The general area, with respect to surface water, is defined by two ephemera] watersheds: the <br />Maitland and Gordon arroyos. The CCM No.l reclaimed area does not affect the surface <br />water resources in the azea. One permanent diversion bisects the reclaimed area. This <br />diversion carries Flows from rain and snowmelt. Due to the neazly flat topography of the <br />reclaimed area, erosion has not been observed during site inspections. Spoil springs have not <br />developed at [his reclaimed surface mine, likely due to low annual precipitation and <br />subsequent limited infiltration. <br />The permit area contains many pre-law abandoned underground mining operations. Both <br />subsidence and old waste dumps are widespread throughout this area. These old mines <br />hindered the operator in obtaining "virgin" pre-mining groundwater data or "native" <br />transmissivities. In some areas, old workings appear to serve as open conduits for <br />groundwater transport. Hydrologic data indicate that old workings have a profound effect on <br />the present groundwater regime within the mine plan area. In general, the water table surface <br />follows the topographic surface with a more subdued gradient. The permit area is underlain <br />by a single aquifer consisting of sediments of the Trinidad, Raton, and Vermejo formations. <br />Much of the groundwater transport takes place in the coal seam through fractures. <br />Almost no use of the bedrock groundwater occurs in the general area. According to the <br />permit application, one family used water from well 27-67-24cc which was found to contain <br />extremely high levels of sodium (993 mg/1), sulfate (1800 mg/I), and had a conductivity of <br />2650 umhos/cm. However, potable water was found in well 27-67-24cc, a windmill south of <br />Maitland arroyo. This well is located along the groundwater contours to the south of CCM <br />8 <br />