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Phase III Bond Release <br />Phase III is a final bond release. A Phase III bond release can occur: <br />1. No less than 10 years after the last year of augmented seeding, fertilizing, irrigation or <br />other work [Section 3.02.3(2)]; <br />2. When the permittee has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation <br />operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan [Section 3.03.1(2)(c)]; <br />3. When all reclamation requirements of the Rules and the Act are fully met [Section <br />3.03.1(4)]; and <br />4. When the final inspection procedures of 3.03.2 have been satisfied [Section 3.03.1(2)(c)]. <br />Rule 3.03.1(2)(c) states that the final portion of performance bond, "shall be released when the <br />permittee has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in <br />accordance with this approved reclamation plan, and the final inspection procedures of 3.03.2 <br />have been satisfied. This shall not be before the expiration of the period specified for <br />revegetation responsibility in 3.02.3." Rule 3.03.1(4) states, "No bond shall be fully released <br />until all reclamation requirements of these Rules and the Act are fully met..." The same rule <br />goes on to state, "No acreage shall be released from the permit area until all surface coal mining <br />and reclamation operations on that acreage have been completed in accordance with the <br />approved reclamation plan." <br />Trapper Mining, Inc. provided in the application documentation of the seed mixes planted for <br />each parcel. Seed mixes used were in accordance with the permitted mixes. All lands requested <br />in the current Phase III bond release application (SL-10) have been approved for Phase I and II <br />bond release during SL-05 or SL-06. Final reclamation success was evaluated for vegetation <br />success for vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, species diversity and woody plant density on <br />lands designated as range sites A and B. On lands designated as range site C, final reclamation <br />success was evaluated for vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity and diversity. The reclaimed <br />landscape was evaluated for evidence of erosional features. TMI has not requested elimination of <br />the SL-10 bond release area from the permit boundary area at this time. Evaluation of the post- <br />mining land use was considered during the Division's review as well. Impacts to surface and <br />ground water were analyzed during the Division's review of the SL-06 (Phase II) bond release <br />application. <br />IV. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />The reclamation of the Trapper Mine was completed in 1998. The criteria that must be met for a <br />Phase III Bond Release are completion of the period of extended liability, revegetation success, <br />suitability of land for postmining land use and restoration of hydrologic balance. <br />Trapper Mine Page 7 November 17, 2007 <br />Phase III Bond Release