2010-03-11_REVISION - C1981008 (4)

Home Browse Search

Phase 3 Release Criteria and Results Phase 3 bond release of coal mine is based on the following Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety criteria: Rule 3.03.1(2)(c) The remaining portion of the bond amount shall be released when the permittee has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with this approved reclamation plan, and the final inspection and procedures of 3.03.2 have been satisfied. This shall not be done before the expiration of the period for revegetation responsibility in 3.02.3. In order to meet this rule, Western Fuels must demonstrate successful revegetation of the release area (meeting of cover and production standards) and that post-mine conditions satisfy the requirements of Rule 4.05.13 - Surface and Ground Water Monitoring. The 2007-2008 Vegetation Studies for Phase 3 Bond Release: First and Second Year Analysis - Irrigated Pasture and Dryland Pasture report by 1310-Logic Environmental in Appendix B show the cover and production values for both Irrigated and Dryland Pasture. In order to have a valid comparison between the reference area and reclaimed areas of Irrigated Pasture, a soil correction factor must be applied as determined in TR-58. Soil Correction Table Soil Unit Acres Factor' Acres x Factor Average Factor' Adjusted Avg. Factor3 IP 10 34.5 1 34.5 77 49.6 0.8 39.6 78 23.3 0.7 16.3 81 18.7 1 18.7 Total 126.1 109.2 0.866 0.847 'Production Factor from TR-58 '(Total Acres x Factor)/(Total Acres) 3(Average Factor)/1.022, the IP Reference Area Average Factor 1). Post-mine Revegetation Success In order to satisfy the vegetation portion of Phase 3 reclamation, the vegetation in all areas must meet or exceed 90% of the reference area cover and production for two out of four 27