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depths were checked at several places in the South pit azea and were found to have at least 12 inches <br />of topsoil. <br />Revegetation success. The approved postmining land use of the bond release area is industrial or <br />commercial (sand and gravel mining) [Rule 1.04(71)(f)]. The approved success standard for cover <br />for the bond release azea is living plant cover sufficient for erosion control. The approved <br />reclamation seed mix for the South pit azea is a mix of grasses and forbs (Table 5-6 in the permit <br />application). The azea reclaimed in the South Pit azea was seeded in 2003 as part of the Ewing Mesa <br />pit sand and gravel operation. Vegetation is dominated by sunflower, crested wheatgrass, aster, <br />kochia, Russian thistle, and clover. No weed problems or large baze azeas were found. Litter and <br />rock cover appeazs to be at least 5%. Live vegetative cover appears to be at least 10% (excluding <br />noxious species) and appears adequate for controlling erosion in this part of the active sand and <br />gravel mine. <br />Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds that the bond release azea meets the <br />requirements for Phase II bond release. <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />Completion ofminimum liability period The previous discussion of Phase II bond release indicates <br />the ground cover of living plants on the reclaimed part of the bond release area provides enough <br />erosion control to satisfy the requirement of Section 4.15.10(2). Oakridge demonstrated as early as <br />1995 the approved industrial or commercial post-mining land use (sand and gravel mine) had <br />substantially commenced, and was likely to be achieved. The achievement of sufficient ground <br />cover, and the continuing use of the bond release azea as a sand and gravel mine, indicates the <br />minimum liability period has expired for the bond release azea. <br />Completion of the reclamation plan. The previous discussion of Phase I bond release indicates the <br />permittee has successfully completed backfilling, grading, and establishment of sediment control in <br />all parts of the bond release azea. The previous discussion of Phase II bond release indicates that in <br />all parts of the bond release area, the permittee has completed regrading and revegetation. <br />Completion of final inspection required by Section 3.03.2(2). As previously explained, the <br />Division conducted a bond release inspection on November 9, 2004. The inspection was conducted <br />in 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 />Completion of evaluation required by Section 3.03.2(2). The Division has conducted an evaluation <br />of the reclamation work, in accordance with Section 3.03.2(2). This evaluation considered, among <br />other things, the results of inspections and monitoring, the need for further reclamation work, <br />whether pollution of surface or subsurface water is occurring, and the probability of future <br />occurrence of such pollution. The results of the evaluation of hydrologic impacts are summarized <br />below. The evaluation concluded that all reclamation has been completed in the bond release area, <br />7 <br />