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release application, generally between April ] 6, 1998 and April 23, 1998. Copies of the landowner notifications were included with the Phase ^ application. As a result of these notifications, three written objections to the bond release were received by the Division. The first was filed by landowners, Jim and Ann Tatum, owners of a residence west of the main reclaimed area at the mine. The objection was received on September 11, 2000 and identified continuing subsidence damage to their residence and broken water lines caused by past underground mining operations. The second objection was received by the Division on October 4, 2000 from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). This objection specifically addressed on-going methane contamination in a rangeland area some 500-2000 feet horizontally east of the Golden Eagle mine workings. The third objection was from Mr. John Toupal, [he landowner of a large portion of the area affected by [he methane contamination in the soils. Mr. Toupal's written objection was received by FAX on October 4, 2000 and objected [o release of bond until the cause of the methane contamination could be determined. On October 1 1, 2000 [he Division received further written comments specific to the Tatum objection. One area of concern was identified as the "methane well site" and [he reclamation of same. Ms. Tatum believes the site in its "present condition is a danger [o everyone in close proximity and reduces the value of (the) property tremendously." For clarification purposes, the site is not a methane well site but is a former ventilation shaft (NW-1 bleeder fan) on Tatum property north of Highway 12 and east of Santistevan Canyon that has been permanently closed, sealed and reclaimed. The Division scheduled and conducted two bond release inspections, one on October 12, 2000 and another on October 25, 2000. The inspections were conducted in accordance with Rule 3.03.2(2). During the firs[ inspection. Kent Gorham represented the Division. Ron Thompson of Peak Project Management represented the applicant, BRI. Henry Austin of the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) also attended the inspection. No other interested parties were in attendance for the first bond release inspection. Ms. Tatum indicated she could no[ attend the first inspection due to scheduling conFlicts. The inspection focused on reclaimed lands at the main site location, former pond 2 area, lower Apache fan site, former pond 3 and pond 5, NW-1 bleeder fan site, and the area of methane contamination in [he soil. All reclaimed areas appeared well vegetated, although the growing season had effectively ended for the year. The NW-1 bleeder fan reclamation was an exception. This area was poorly vegetated, likely due to extremely dry conditions that prevailed throughout most of the growing season. A few small grasses and annual weeds were present. Mulch was noted on the site and provides some protection from erosion until vegetation becomes better established. The operator discussed possibly re-seeding this area in anticipation of more favorable growing conditions. Mr. Thompson discussed the possibility of removing this area from the bond release request due to [he poor vegetation. The October 25, 2000 inspection was conducted by David Berry of the Division. Ann Tatum, landowner, was also present. During the second inspection, the NW-I bleeder fan site was observed and Ms. Tatum's objection was discussed. The area of methane contamination, subject of Mr. Toupal and the COGCC objections was also visited during [he October 12, 2000 field inspection. The vegetation die-out appears similar in size and appearance [o previous inspections conducted over [he last several years. The two gas wells formerly located in this area of Mr. Toupal's pasture were reclaimed two days prior to the inspection. 6