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Phase II Bond Release <br />Topsoil replacement Topsoil cover at the four flume locations and at the two former piezometer <br />locations appeared similar to the surrounding topsoil which supports substantial vegetative cover. <br />Revegetation success. The permit application specifies determination of revegetation success by <br />comparing vegetation on reclaimed lands to vegetation on a reference area. This method was used <br />for determining revegetation success at the loadout and most of the mine site in previous bond <br />release SL-5. Vegetation sampling data is contained in the permit application in Volume II, <br />Appendices 3-X and 3-Y. A reference area comparison was not appropriate for the current bond <br />release application because the reclaimed areas are too small for adequate sampling; therefore, <br />revegetation success was verified by visually comparing vegetation on the reclaimed sites to <br />vegetation on surrounding land. Vegetation along the stream banks where the flumes were reclaimed <br />blended well with surrounding vegetation in these riparian areas. None of the flume sites showed <br />signs of excessive erosion, bare spots, or weed problems. Each of the two former piezometer sites <br />cover approximately two square feet of ground surface. These two sites are approximately 200 feet <br />apart in an area of substantial vegetative cover of grasses, forbs, and shrubs that previously received <br />Phase III bond release. It was evident during the bond release inspection and during regular quarterly <br />inspections that the grasses, forbs, and shrubs around the piezometer sites are a self-sustaining mix of <br />vegetation that provides long-term erosional stability. The vegetative cover appeared to be <br />preventing rill and gully formation. No weed problems or bare areas were found at the piezometer <br />sites. The two piezometer sites are too small to significantly affect the previous findings on Phase III <br />revegetation success made in SL-5 for the area immediately surrounding the piezometers. <br />Sediment yield. The rocky stream channels where the flumes were located showed no signs of <br />excessive erosion. The two piezometer locations also showed no signs of excessive erosion. The <br />two piezometer sites (a total area of approximately 4 square feet) are too small to significantly affect <br />the previous finding regarding sediment yield made in SL-5 for Phase II bond release. <br />Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds that the following areas meet the <br />requirements for Phase II bond release: the two flume sites in North Thompson Creek, the two flume <br />sites in Middle Thompson Creek, and the two sites piezometer sites (D-IA and D-2A). <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />Completion of minimum liability period. The Division has previously recognized the <br />reclamation liability for the two piezometer sites and the four flume sites as the type of liability <br />described in Rule 3.03.1(5) [page 24 of SL-5 findings document]; therefore, these structures are <br />exempt from the extended liability period of Rule 3.02.3(2). <br />Completion of the reclamation plan. The previous discussion of Phase I bond release indicates the <br />permittee has successfully completed backfilling, grading, and establishment of sediment control at <br />the flume sites and piezometer sites. The previous discussion of Phase 11 bond release indicates the <br />permittee has completed topsoil replacement, and revegetation, and controlled sediment yield at <br />these locations. <br />13