_INSPECTION - C1981047 ‎(23)‎

• Permit No: C1981047
• IBM Index Class Name: INSPECTION
• Doc Name: Inspection Report
• Inspection Date: 8/27/2008
• Email Name: JJD
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III. COMMENTS-COMPLIANCE
Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the
inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or
evidence supporting the enforcement action.
12. The three underdrain pipes should be cut back to ground level and the pipe outlets covered with rocks.
13. Mine signs and surface disturbance markers need to be removed at final bond release.
Bond Release Process
The process of releasing the reclamation liability bond for a mine site involves three phases. At Phase I, up to
sixty percent of the total reclamation bond can be released for successful completion of structural demolition,
backfilling and grading and drainage control as required by the approved plan. At Phase II, up to 85 percent of
the total reclamation bond can be released for topsoil replacement and for successful establishment of vegetation
which supports the approved post mining land use and which meets the approved success standard for cover. In
addition,a demonstration must be made that shows that the reclaimed site doesn't contribute suspended solids in
excess of those of pre-mining conditions or of adjacent and comparable non-mined areas. At Phase III,the
remaining reclamation bond can be released upon completion of all of the reclamation work, but not before a
period of ten years has passed after the last augmented seeding, fertilizing, irrigation or other work.
There are additional considerations in the bond release process. One consideration is that no more than sixty
percent of the reclamation bond can be released if the suspended solids level from the reclaimed area is greater
than that of pre-mining levels or from adjacent, undisturbed areas. Another consideration is that the Division can
not release any reclamation bond that would result in insufficient funds to finish the remaining reclamation work.
The operator must submit a formal request to the Division for each reclamation bond release phase.Notification
of the bond release request is made with the publication of a public notice and with notification letters sent to
adjoining landowners, surface owners and various local government agencies. When the Division calls the
submittal complete,a field inspection and evaluation is conducted to determine the status of the reclamation work
that was performed. The field inspection and evaluation are to be held within thirty days of completeness or as
soon as weather permits thereafter.Notification letters for the field inspection must be sent to the surface owner
and agent or lessee.
The inspection and evaluation report is to be made available to the public at the Division's offices. Objections to
the bond release may be made within thirty days of the submittal completeness date or within thirty days of the
completed field inspection. After this initial objection process has been completed,the Division makes its
proposed decision. The proposed decision is made by the Division as to whether to release or not to release all or
a portion of the reclamation bond. Written notification of the proposed decision is sent to the permittee,the surety
company and interested parties. The written notification details in a findings document the reasons for the
proposed decision, provides recommendations for any additional work needed to complete the bond release and
informs the parties of their right to appeal the proposed decision. The Division also publishes the proposed
decision in a public notice.
Blue Ribbon Mine Bond Release Permitting Process
Minrec, Inc. submitted the Phase II and III Bond Release request(SL-2)for the Blue Ribbon Mine in an initial
submittal dated June 4,2008. The certification statement for the reclamation activities performed at the mine
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