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The three separate areas subject to the SL -4 release request were all inspected during the July <br />14, 2009 inspection, and observations were made with regard to approximate original contour <br />and erosional stability of the reclaimed landscape. Based on observations made during this and <br />previous inspections (from the August 2006 SL -1 inspection to the present), the Division's <br />general conclusion is that reclaimed areas have been restored to the approximate original <br />contour of the pre- mining landscape. The present surface configuration achieved by backfill <br />and grading of the mined areas closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land <br />prior to mining. Reclaimed areas blend in well with existing undisturbed landscape. <br />Comparison of the Postmine Contour Map (Exhibit 12 -9) and Postmining Topography and <br />Permanent Features Map (Exhibit 13 -2A), to the USGS 7.5 minute Quadrangle Maps of Mount <br />Harris and Milner, Colorado indicate that the major pre- mining drainages were reconstructed in <br />the appropriate locations and additional drainage density was added to the post- mining <br />landscape by constructing additional post -mine channels. Backfill and grading compliance for <br />the three distinct areas subject to the SL -4 application are addressed separately, below. <br />East Wadge Area <br />The 125.8 acre parcel referred to as the East Wadge Area comprises the major portion of the <br />SL -4 release request, and includes reclaimed slopes east of Road C in the PM -8 watershed, <br />including much of the length of Post -Mine Channel PM -8. The East Wadge Pit was one of the <br />last areas to be reclaimed at Seneca II Mine. Long, relatively steep, southeast facing slopes <br />predominate. The East Wadge Area was included by SCC in the SL -1 application in 2006, but <br />the area was excluded from the Division's SL -1 approval, due to extensive hillslope and channel <br />erosion in the PM -8 watershed. <br />The PM -8 drainage designs were revised within Technical Revision No. 41 (TR -41), approved by <br />the Division on June 11, 2007. The TR -41 designs included modifications to the PM -8 channel <br />design and extension of the channel further up- slope, including a segment lined with turf <br />reinforcement mat (TRM). The plan specified elimination of certain erosive tributary channels, <br />and addition of a series of five erosion control "V- Ditches ", to be constructed at relatively <br />shallow grades across the hillslope west of the PM -8 channel. All of the V ditches were <br />designed to drain into Channel PM -8. Extensive rill and gully repairs and channel construction <br />to implement the TR -41 designs were performed in the fall of 2007, with some additional slope <br />scarification and seeding in the fall of 2008. Postmine Channel PM -8 and the associated V- <br />Ditches appear to have been constructed in accordance with the approved designs and the area <br />appears to be stable. <br />Below is an aerial view of the East Wadge Area taken after TR -41 designs were implemented, <br />on October 28, 2008. <br />Page 9 of 30 <br />