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of a sediment pond. The pond was reclaimed in 1992, and this land has been successfully used as <br />pastureland since then. The previously described absence of adverse hydrologic impacts to Hay <br />Gulch surface water and alluvium indicate the essential hydrologic functions have been preserved by <br />maintaining the geologic, hydrologic, and biologic characteristics that support those functions. <br />Findings on Protection of Hydrologic Balance <br />All hydrologic structures have been reclaimed and there is no water pollution occurring. All of the <br />observed hydrologic impacts are consistent with those predicted in the Division's La Plata River <br />Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment. Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds <br />that the Blue Flame Mine has minimized disturbance of the hydrologic balance in the mine plan and <br />adjacent areas, and prevented material damage outside the permit area. The Division also finds that <br />the Blue Flame Mine has not caused hydrologic changes that adversely affect the approved <br />postmining land use in the permit area. <br />V. SUMMARY <br />The Blue Flame Mine is arevoked-permit site. Reclamation was completed by the Division's <br />Inactive Mined Lands Program. No money remains for any additional work at the site. No public <br />comments were received concerning the TOJ process from the public or from the landowners. A <br />representative of one landowner attended the final inspection and indicated no objection to the TOJ. <br />Periodic field inspections by the Division have identified no significant on-the-ground issues and <br />final inspection indicated the site is in excellent condition. The postmining land uses of rangeland <br />and wildlife habitat have been achieved, with aself-sustaining mix of grasses, fortis, and shrubs as <br />demonstrated by the results of two years of vegetation sampling. Actual use of the reclaimed area by <br />wildlife has been demonstrated during the latter years of the revegetation period. The site presents <br />no hazards to public health and safety. <br />VI. PROPOSED DECISION <br />The Division finds that all surface coal mining reclamation operations have been completed in <br />accordance with the approved reclamation plan, and all reclamation requirements of the Rules and <br />the Act have been met to the extent possible considering the revoked status of the permit. The site <br />appears to have successfully achieved the postmining land use. Based on the findings set forth <br />above, the Division proposes to terminate jurisdiction at the Blue Flame Mine. This proposed <br />decision terminates all Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety involvement for the permit area <br />of the Blue Flame Mine. <br />Any person with a valid legal interest which might be adversely affected by this proposed decision <br />may request a formal public hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board in accordance with <br />Section 3.03.2(6). Public notice of this proposed decision will be published twice in the Durango <br />Herald for two weeks as soon as possible. Requests for public hearing must be submitted to the <br />Division in writing within thirty days of the first publication in the Durango Herald. If no hearing is <br />requested within thirty days, the Division's decision will become final. <br />13 <br />