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<br />., <br />The operator provided the Division with pond survey data from 1984 and 1992. The data <br />show a suspended solids contributions less than or equal to that of areas which have not <br />been mined. An absence of erosional features and little or no sediment accumulation <br />in sedimentation ponds at all three sites indicate that reclaimed lands do not contribute <br />suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of premising <br />levels or contribution levels of adjacent areas which have not been mined. <br />The original performance bond required for the Meeker Area Mines was $850,000.00. <br />Phase I bond release was granted for backfilling and grading of all three areas on July <br />24, 1987. In conjunction with Phase I release, 100 percent bond release was approved <br />for the Wilson-IAUdy I.oadout, when the loadout was permitted by another operator. <br />The remaining liability after those releases was $307,000.00. Approval of Phase II bond <br />release would reduce the liability for all three sites to $184,071.00, a reduction of <br />$122,929.00. <br />Rule 3.03.1(3)(d) requires the Division to retain, at a minimum, sufficient bond to <br />complete the approved reclamation plan. The Division has reviewed the original <br />reclamation cost estimate and finds that sufficient bond is held by the Division to allow <br />for the proposed release. All buildings and structures have been dismantled and removed <br />in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, with the exception of the shop <br />building and foundation and the administrative building foundations at the Northern #1 <br />Mine. These structures will be retained on site for future use of the landowner as <br />requested from and approved by the Division in 1985. Also approved for retention was <br />the Northern #1 Mine sedimentation pond. Reclamation obligations remaining at the <br />three sites include: <br />1. Removal of the Rienau #2 Mine sedimentation ponds A and B <br />2. Removal of the Refuse Area sedimentation pond. <br />The Division finds that removal of the three ponds and revegetation of a1123.88 permitted acres, <br />if necessary, could be accomplished with the remaining $184,071.00 if Phase II bond release is <br />granted. <br />Phase III bond release may be granted upon the request from Enron Coal Company <br />accompanied by a demonstration that all remaining reclamation work has been completed, <br />reclaimed areas meet the vegetation requirements of Rule 4.15.8, and the liability, as required <br />by Rules 3.02.3(b) and 3.02.3(c), has passed. <br />Meeker Area Mines <br />6 <br />Phase II Bond Release <br />