2001-08-17_REVISION - C1984065 - Laserfiche WebLink

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area cover measured 44.19%. The data met the requirements of Rule 4.15.8(3)(a). The operator noted at the time of sampling that the reference area did not show signs of grazing whereas, the reclaimed area did. Based upon the October 2000 vegetation sampling data and the Division's visual inspection of the mine site, the Coal Ridge Mine meets the vegetative criteria for Rule 3.03.1(2)(b). Bond for Revegetation The cost for a third party to reestablish revegetation at the site, $15,989, is included in the Division's estimate of the cost of remaining reclamation work(estimate of May 2, 2001). Contributions of Suspended Solids Documentation in the PAP demonstrates that the lands to which this Application applies are not contributing suspended solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of premining levels in excess of levels determined on adjacent nonmined areas (PAP pages 4-58 through 4-58vii). The demonstration was developed by use of the Universal Soil Loss Equation [A=R times K times LS times C times P, where A is the soil loss in Tons/Acre/Year, R is the rainfall factor, K is the soil erodibility factor,LS is the combined length slope factor, C is the cropping management factor and P is the erosion control practice factor].The R and K factors are the same for premining and nonmined areas, and a P factor of 1 was applied to both classifications of areas. Improvements in the LS (terraces and benches in lieu of lengthy slopes) and C (cover as demonstrated in vegetation surveys of reclaimed and reference areas) resulted in calculated A for reclaimed areas to be less than for the nonmined(reference) areas. The Division accepts the premise that less soil loss demonstrates less suspended solids. Some portions of the reclaimed croplands are located on an alluvial valley floor. These areas are (or may be) irrigated from the Vulcan Ditch. The Vulcan Ditch has been restored across the reclaimed site, and the reclaimed croplands have been, at times, irrigated (noted in Division monthly inspection records).The vegetation study (Volume 3,Appendix 3.6-5, Phase II Bond Release—Revegetation Success Sampling, PAP) documents that agricultural productivity has been reestablished on these areas. Bond for Remaining Reclamation Work The estimated cost for a third party to complete the remaining approved reclamation work, including any revegetation that may be required, is $40,508 (Division estimate of May 2, 2001).Approval of the proposed decision on this application, release of$82,806 from the current bond amount of$126,006, leaves a bond coverage of$43,200.A bond of$43,200 would be sufficient to accomplish the remaining approved reclamation work, and is above the minimum bond required ($41,430) at the fulfillment of Phase II requirements. Remaining approved reclamation work involves the reclamation SL-02, C-84-065 August 17, 2001 Page 11 of 13 Pages