Laserfiche WebLink
SECTION IV - MIDTERM ADEQUACY QUESTIONS <br />Pursuant to Rule 2.08.3, the Division has the following adequacy questions and/or <br />comments. <br />1. Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of the permit application (Revegetation Plan) was revised by <br />MR-08 in March 2006 to include a Weed Management Plan, as required by then- <br />new Rule 4.15.1(5). Based on the Division's observations recorded in monthly <br />inspection reports during the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons, implementation of <br />the plan appears to have been sporadic. The presence of various invasive weed <br />species (Russian knapweed, White Top, tamarisk, and thistle) has frequently been <br />noted. In accordance with Rule 2.04.13(2), the Division requests that the scope of <br />the Annual Reclamation Report, beginning with 2009, be expanded to include <br />information detailing weed management activities that occurred during the year. <br />No later than 30 September 2009, please submit a Minor Revision application to <br />modify Section 2.04.13 of the permit to include this requirement. <br />2. The Hamilton Mine was potentially eligible for a final Phase III Bond Release in <br />2008 (pending successful demonstration of vegetative diversity). The Division <br />has not yet received any vegetation monitoring reports, which is inconsistent with <br />commitments made by Honeywood Coal Company in Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of the <br />permit (Page 2.05-26, 2nd paragraph). <br />Beginning with the Annual Reclamation Report for 2009, please include the <br />results of any monitoring for revegetation success that has been conducted, <br />along with a description of the company's anticipated schedule for achieving <br />Phase III bond release at the Hamilton Mine. <br />SECTION V - PERMIT VARIANCES AND SPECIFIC APPROVALS <br />There are no specific variances and approvals by the Division for the Hamilton Mine. <br />SECTION VI - BONDING SUMMARY <br />The Division currently holds an approved bond on behalf of Honeywood Coal Company <br />for the Hamilton Mine. The bond, Regions Bank Letter of Credit Bond No. 01812016 <br />(confirmed by U. S. Bank - National Association), is in the amount of $447,281.00. <br />Pursuant to Rule 3.02.2(4), the Division has recalculated the reclamation cost estimate in <br />conjunction with Midterm Review No. 4. The total required bond based on this <br />recalculation is $439,432.00. This newly calculated liability is less than the amount of <br />the bond currently held; therefore, Honeywood Coal Company is not required to provide <br />the Division with any additional bond monies. The bond currently held is "sufficient to <br />Hamilton Mine <br />Permit No. C-1991-078 <br />Midterm Review No. 4 <br />10 August 2009 <br />4